Clark Atlanta University has named Ronald Johnson, the dean of Texas Southern University Jesse H. Jones School of Business, as its new president.

Effective July 1, Johnson will become the fourth president of the HBCU following Carlton Brown, who retires in June after leading the institution for seven years.

Johnson was unanimously selected by the university’s board from a pool of more than 100 applicants before being selected as one of three finalists. He has served in his position at Texas Southern since 2011 and prior to that Johnson served as dean of the business college at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. He has worked in leadership positions at other academic and private-sector businesses, including Houston-based Smith Graham & Co. where he managed $3 billion in assets as the firms president and chief investment officer. He holds an MBA in finance and a BA in economics from Adelphi University, as well as a Ph.D. and MA in economics from Stanford University.

“There are few institutions in the United States, HBCU or otherwise, with the rich dual history, the intellectual legacy and the tradition of scholar- activism that defines Clark Atlanta,” Atlanta Business Chronicle reports Johnson saying in a statement. “Now the University will look to its future, harnessing a tremendous wealth of academic talent, a nation-wide expanse of passionate, multigenerational alumni and opportunities to create strategic alliances that will elevate its competitive advantage.”

In an exclusive interview with Black Enterprise, Democratic Congressman Jim Himes emphatically expressed how proud he is that Connecticut is the first State to restrict state-funded travel to Indiana and other states that permit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender.

“Indiana could use this law to cover discrimination against any group,” the Congressman told BE. Read the full interview below.

Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy made international headlines by announcing that Connecticut will be the first State to take a bold stand, against Indiana Governor Mike Pence’s announcement last week that he had signed into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The law allows businesses to refuse service to gay, lesbian, and transgender citizens on religious grounds.

Other opposition included a joint statement from the NBA, WNBA, Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever issued saying “The game of basketball is grounded in long established principles of inclusion and mutual respect. We will ensure that all fans, players, and employees feel welcome at all NBA and WNBA events in Indiana and elsewhere,” Several prominent former NBA players, including Charles Barkley have called for the NCAA to pull out of the final four tournament.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, who came out last year, stated in an op-ed story that “On behalf of Apple, I’m standing up to oppose this new wave of legislation.”

The cities of Seattle and San Francisco have also banned all city-funded trips to Indiana.

In a phone interview with BE, Congressman Himes said Indiana is in for a lot more heat:

BE: Indiana Governor Mike Pence says the Religious Freedom Restoration Act is about religious freedom, not discrimination, what are your thoughts on that?

Rep. Himes: This is a conservative right-wing attempt to provide legal cover to help people discriminate against the LGBT community and it’s just plain wrong. We’ve seen this time and time again.

BE: What are the implications for the LGBT community, and possibly even minority and immigrant communities due to legislation like RFRA?

50 years ago we had this fight with racism. People tried to say ‘It’s my business how I treat Black people,’ and believe me, they didn’t use the ‘B’ word. Businesses that would use this law to discriminate should remember they are served by the roads that we all pay for. They use services that we all pay for. Religious freedom does not mean you get to discriminate against anyone.

BE: What does the fact that we are having this discussion and Indiana took this action say to you as to where we are as a nation when it comes to LGBT rights?

Rep. Himes: This points to the fact that while attitudes towards the LGBT community have changed rapidly, they haven’t changed entirely. The Indiana backlash speaks to the dramatic changes we’ve seen in this country.

BE: How do you feel about Connecticut being the first State to ban state-funded travel to Indiana?

Rep. Himes: When a legislature does something that’s inconsistent with our values, someone should speak-up. We led the way on marriage equality and have always been a leader on standing up for LBGT rights.

BE: How do you think all of this will play-out?

Rep. Himes: The Indiana legislature is going to have to come to its senses very quickly.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence may be having a change in sensibilities. He has pledged to change the controversial religious law to clarify that it does not allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/consumer-affairs/be-exclusive-ct-congressman-jim-himes-%e2%80%9cindiana-discriminate-anybody-law%e2%80%9d/feed/0Local Entrepreneur Wants To Get DC Black Businesses On ABC Shark Tankhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/local-entrepreneur-wants-to-get-dc-businesses-on-abc-shark-tank/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/local-entrepreneur-wants-to-get-dc-businesses-on-abc-shark-tank/#commentsTue, 31 Mar 2015 19:00:45 +0000Carolyn M. Brownhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419842DC Shark Tank is a local competition and watch party that allows business owners to deliver their ‘business pitch’ in front of ‘ local business experts. D. Yvonne Rivers, the producer of ‘DC Shark Tank, is now looking to work with the producers of the ABC hit show Shark Tank to help them gain entrance into minority entrepreneurs in the metropolitan DC region. Shark Tank has an initiative to gain a more diverse contestant pool of Shark Tank entrepreneurs.

Rivers is the founder and owner of the Phoebe Group, a marketing and training company based in Washington, DC. The company establishes business and nonprofit curriculum to teach businesses and nonprofits how to achieve success. Phoebe operates out of The Hive 2.0 located in Southeast DC and conducts business workshops. These workshops will become ‘Shark Tank’ themed courses like, Know your Numbers’, Your Valuation is what?’How are you going to make Money? Who’s your Customer? and more. According to Phoebe, support will be provided through direct access to Shark Tank producers through a custom DC Shark Tank web link.

Shark Tank producers are expected to tour major cities this spring and summer connecting to minority entrepreneurs. Shark Tank is now filming their seventh season, with a weekly Friday night audience that exceeds 18 million viewers.

Last year, casting directors of the ABC reality series held an open casting during the Black Enterprise Summit in their search to discover the next successful enterprise. Entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators got a shot at pitching their ideas for a coveted spot on Shark Tank.

To find out if Shark Tank producers are coming to a city near you this year click here. Or to apply online to appear on the show to pitch your business idea click here.

With a title like Screw College Debt: How to Go to College Without Breaking the Bank (Ascendant Press; $15), who wouldn’t want to read this book? Written by Marco LeRoc, a former international student from the Togolese Republic (Togo) who found himself more than $30,000 in student loan debt after his freshman year at the University of Nebraska Omaha, it is a useful though somewhat thin read.

The book appears well sourced. He covers the problem of higher education—the issues of cost, lack of college planning, the effect of debt on the economy, even the antagonism some hold toward the idea of college—because of its great cost and the albatross of student loan debt. He admits that many are asking if college is still worth it, and though he concedes that college probably isn’t for everyone, he calls higher education “important” and instead asks other questions: Why do you want to go to college, and how can you get value out of it?

The scope of the book is fairly broad: After two chapters that make the case for a college education, he discusses preparing for college, funding alternatives (community college, scholarships, the military, working your way through, etc.), online learning, debt repayment, and effectual money management. LeRoc writes well, if a bit breezily, and his personality and passion for financial competence shine through. In the back he lists recommended books and websites, and lists sites that sell low-priced textbooks—a nice, practical feature. There’s just one problem: I felt as if I could have found most of what is in the book on the Internet myself. The advantage of his book, of course, is that you don’t have to do the research yourself, and all the information is one place.

LeRoc’s own journey is inspiring: When he realized he could save money and learn from the same professors if he enrolled in a local community college, he wasted no time transferring. He writes, “Where I come from, having debt for any reason is a terrible thing”—a refreshing perspective in the U.S., a country where debt, especially student debt, is considered normal, even necessary. His experience even caused him to change his major to economics, so he could better grasp how money works.

Screw College Debt, an inspiring, provocative, though somewhat thin book, contributes to the important conversation that asks why take on college debt at all?

Other books you may want to consult in addition to Screw College Debt:

A substantial book, Cliff Notes Graduation Debt: How to Manage Student Loans and Live Your Life, by Reyna Gobel offers a lot of information. Gobel suggests constructing charts of your loans to help you keep track.

The Princeton Review’s Paying for College Without Going Broke is another substantive book. Its tone is one of informing you as the reader so you can control the process. More than once it says, “The people who receive the most aid are the people who best understand the aid process.” It also has a nifty companion website: www.princetonreview.com/financialaidupdate.

Studies show that millennials make up approximately 25 percent of the U.S. workforce and by 2020 they will form 50 percent of the global workforce. With a new generation of top talent working its way into the job market, many corporations face the common struggle of meeting the demands of a multi-generational workforce.

BlackEnterprise.com sat down with executive leadership consultant Curtis Odom, Ed.D., who specializes in multi-generational talent management, to gain insights on what companies can do to create an engaging work culture that’s inclusive to all generations, especially millennials. Serving as the principal and managing partner of the Boston-based firm Prescient Strategists, Odom is the author of Mind The Gap: Getting Business Results In Multigenerational Organizations, where he offers advice on how employers can bridge the generational gap amongst company talent. With a clear understanding of the value millennials bring to the workforce and the struggle companies have with adapting to the demands of new talent, Odom outlines three key tips to help companies attract and retain top millennial professionals.

1. Flexibility in work/life balance: Odom says it’s important for employers to understand that millennials have a very narrow concept of work and life separation.

“They are not going to put their smart phone or device away when they come to work. Their working styles and preferences might look different,” says Odom. “They might come in later, but then they might stay later.”

Odom says in order for companies to attain and retain millennial talent, they must have an understanding of millennial work patterns and not be so quick to write young professionals off as lazy or unprofessional.

2. Be open to conversation and feedback: Instead of ignoring the advice or feedback from young incoming talent, Odom says that in order for a company to thrive as a leader in today’s work force they must be open to hearing the suggestions all employees have regardless of age. He says no employee wants to hear, “Oh, you haven’t been here long enough to add value,” and that any company who thinks that way will lose millennial talent often.

3. Get rid of your company time component: Odom says just about all millennials coming into the workforce are curious about what it takes to be successful and move up within their organization. Instead of a company telling their employees they have to be at the company five or ten years before they can reach a certain level, Odom suggests employers have a conversation with incoming staff about what tasks need to be done in order to get that next level of promotion or title change.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/three-ways-attract-retain-millenial-talent/feed/09 Steps To Secure A Corporate Sponsor For Your Next Company Eventhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/nine-tips-secure-corporate-sponsor-before-your-next-event/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/nine-tips-secure-corporate-sponsor-before-your-next-event/#commentsTue, 31 Mar 2015 16:30:07 +0000Carolyn M. Brownhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419818It’s not unheard of for big companies to support small, local events—10K runs, award dinners, book signings, health forums, neighborhood festivals—through sponsorships. Companies are spending more money on sponsorships each year, according to marketing experts, to the tune of over $18 billion in 2014. The reason being is that corporations are finding that sponsorships are giving them better returns than traditional advertising. Not to mention it helps boost community giving profile.

BlackEnterprise.com wanted to find out how best can small business owners secure a corporate sponsor. So, we reached out to members of Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launchedStartupCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. Here’s what the members had to say about getting companies to sponsor your next event:

1. Share Attendee Lists

If you’re looking to have corporations sponsor your company event, be honest with yourself and understand what benefit a corporation could clearly see when sponsoring the event. For most corporations, it’s about the audience you’re targeting and who’s attending. Be willing to share the number of people and who you’ve already got waiting in the wings to attend your event.

If your audience is relevant to the sponsor and they want to get a message to that audience, the best way to do that is to allow them to send a company spokesperson to speak. Nothing is more powerful than getting in front of a group of people and allowing their voice to be heard. It beats a simple mention on a brochure, a table or banner.

Every corporate sponsor needs to be sold on what you can do for them. Prove to them that you deserve the sponsorship and that you have what they need, and they need to pay for it. Show them what it will do for them. Give them all the information possible: attendees, interactions, people, titles, etc.

If your event happens to be a seminar, for example, securing a high-profile speaker for that seminar will encourage corporations to want to attend/sponsor the event. You will now have a two-way selling point when securing additional speakers because they will see that your event has backing and corporate will see that your event cannot be missed.

We have successfully received sponsorships from businesses on many levels, big and small. What I find to be attractive for sponsors is to share the same purpose. It should be one that runs parallel with their company mission, brand and image or current message. For example, we hosted a spring fashion show and Target sponsored us with their upcoming fashion line for that particular season.

Make sure to stress why you are holding the event. If you can explain the mission and provide evidence to support it, corporations can better assess whether the event aligns well with their goals and values.

Behind every successful corporate sponsorship there’s a huge amount of relationship building that begins well before the event and continues after the event. Always establish initial contacts by phone, follow up religiously, and visibly thank your sponsors in addition to expressing gratitude behind the scenes. They’ll be inclined to sponsor you again in the future if you’re both responsible and respectful.

We get solicited all the time for corporate sponsorships. Every pitch looks the same; kind of like this: “At the platinum level, you’ll get a logo on our site and a half-page ad in the event program.” This is such a dated approach, it drives me insane. As a potential sponsor, show me ways I can engage my brand with your audience. Or offer a creative way to activate my product without me there.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/nine-tips-secure-corporate-sponsor-before-your-next-event/feed/0Rihanna’s BFF Melissa Forde Designs Hat Collectionhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/rihanna-melissa-forde-hat-collection/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/rihanna-melissa-forde-hat-collection/#commentsTue, 31 Mar 2015 16:26:17 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419975It’s nearly impossible to spot Rihanna without her best friend Melissa Forde. Photos of the pair living the good life at exclusive industry events or sailing the ocean blue on luxury yachts surface just about every day. But in the mix of all the parties and girls’ trips, both island ladies put in a lot of work and are evolving into quite the businesswomen.

After Rihanna’s appearance at last night’s Tidalpress conference, the new artist owned music streaming service, she made her way to Opening Ceremony in New York City to celebrate the launch of her bestie Forde’s new bucket hat line. The collection of hats, called M$$x WT, is a collaboration under rapper Wale’s fashion line, Wrking Title.

“[Buckets] just so happened to be my favorite hats, but I couldn’t always find the ideal fit or style,” Forde said to Opening Ceremony. “So when Wale asked me to design hats with his company, it seemed like the right time to design my own hat just the way I wanted it to be for me.”

M$$xWT features three hat styles: “Black Beauty,” a fine black mesh; the “Rastaprint,” a new scale on a classic print; and the “Pink Pineapple,” a bright interpretation of a huge seasonal trend.

Trendsetters can get the hats exclusively at Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles and New York City, and on the online stores for Opening Ceremony and Wrkng Title. Each style is priced at $55.

Forde’s design undertaking is one of several other boss moves for the creative fashionista. She is also Creative Director for business colleague Wale’s entire brand, the social media photographer to Rihanna, and a model.

With more than a quarter of millennials flocking to Trinidad & Tobago, Warren Solomon, General Manager of Marketing at the Trinidad & Tobago Tourism Development Companyexplained “As this generation is seeking more than the traditional ‘sun, sand and sea’ vacation the dual-island nation, with excursions including hiking, snorkeling, diving, fishing, ‘party-boating’, exploring limestone caves, zip lining and more, will send millennials home with unforgettable stories to share.”

Trinidad & Tobago’s Travel App – Technology has become an important platform for travel research and planning, especially among millennials, thus making travel apps not only an added convenience but a necessity. According to Skift, millennials value the comfort and securing that technology brings in the event that they need assistance while traveling. The destination showed its understanding of the importance of being digitally connected by introducing a new travel app in late 2014. Features of Trinidad & Tobago’s Travel App include:

1. Designed to be used offline, avoiding roaming charges and need for Wi-F.

2. Fully zoomable map, containing points of interest and interactive guide which provides distances and routing information from current location.

3. Local hotel and restaurant pricing, ratings and contact information.

4. Information on attractions, landmarks, beaches and things to do nearby with direction.

5. User-friendly photo gallery with zoomable pictures.

The Trinidad & Tobago Travel App is available via Apple and Google stores and comes preloaded on all Samsung Smart TVs and can be downloaded onto smart devices.

Eco-adventure –According to TravelAge West, millennials tend to be more adventurous travelers, looking to venture out and explore. Tobago, known for its unspoiled beaches and great weather, offers the quintessential Caribbean vacation plus so much more. Travelers can hike the oldest protected reserve in the Western Hemisphere, The Main Ridge Rainforest, to seek out hidden waterfalls amongst local flora and fauna. Tobago has a large population of hawksbills living in its numerous coral reefs and many green turtles inhabit the sea grass beds off the coast. With 80% of all leatherback nesting in the insular Caribbean, both islands offer a near guarantee to witness giant sea turtles on beaches from March through September. Adventure seekers can go zip lining to get a bird’s eye view of Trinidad while soaring 100 feet in the air across seven different zip lines through Macqueripe Bay. For information these tours and more, contact Trinidad & Tobago Incoming Tour Operators Association.

Watersports – Tobago is home to the largest brain coral in the world. Fascinating coral formations, countless fish and exceptional water conditions, makes Tobago an ideal for exploring underwater. Divers can catch a glimpse of barracudas, dolphins, whale sharks, turtles, porpoises, butterfly fish, queen and French angels and parrotfish. Paddleboard novices can head to idyllic Pigeon Point Heritage Park in Tobago and visit Stand Up Paddle Tobago for personalized instruction on all the basic skills, including board balance and paddle technique. Surfers can “hang ten” with Trinidad and Tobago Surf Experience, located on both islands, for top-notch surf experiences. Those who prefer wind or kitesurfing can visit Radical Water Sports, Tobago’s professional windsurf center, also located at Pigeon Point. Those more interested in soaking up the sun, rum punch in hand, can hop on a glass bottom boat at Pigeon Point for a tour through Buccoo Reef, where the views are breathtaking – both underwater and out of water.

Authentic Cultural Experiences – Millennials seeking local, authentic experiences can immerse themselves in the destination’s vibrant culture through food and music. With culinary influences from India, Africa, Asia and Europe, the local gastronomy is a melting pot of exotic flavors. With 40 percent of the Trinidadian population being East Indian, many of the local dishes feature pungent curry spices like Cumin, Masala, Madras and Turmeric. When visiting Trinidad, visitors don’t want to miss out on:1. Doubles - a sandwich made with fried flat bread filled with curried chickpeas2. Roti – meat or vegetables in curry sauce, wrapped in pita-like pastry.3. Bake & Shark – a Trinidadian native dish that consists of deep-fried shark stuffed in a pocket of deep-fried batter, a bread somewhat similar to the Native American “fry bread.”4. Curry crab and dumplings – the staple dish for visitors in Tobago and can be found at many restaurants around the island.

Trinidad & Tobago is also the birthplace of the steel pan (the only instrument invented in the 20thCentury), soca and calypso music. Steel pan bands can be seen practicing at various locations throughout the island year round.

Festivals – Although best known for its Carnival celebration, the cultural diversity of the nation is reason for year-round festivals. Tobago Heritage Festival celebrates traditions that are mostly African, with the main event, the traditional “Ole Time Wedding,” taking place in the village of Moriah. Beginning this July 17 with fetes culminating in a J’ouvert and street parade on Emancipation Day (August 1), Tobago Heritage Festival is one of the most important celebrations of the year for Tobago. Tobago also hosts one of the most unique food expositions in the Caribbean, the Blue Food Festival. It is an annual festival where local chefs and creative, indigenous cooks come together to share their knowledge, cooking secrets and tasty blue creations with commonly-used local ingredient dasheen, the Caribbean root vegetable that actually turns blue when cooked. Chefs compete against one another to create the best appetizers, entrees, desserts and even wine with this unique ingredient every October.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/5-reasons-why-millennials-traveling-trinidad-tobago/feed/0Forty-Seven Percent of Black Families Have No Emergency Savingshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/money/nearly-one-third-americans-have-no-emergency-savings/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/nearly-one-third-americans-have-no-emergency-savings/#commentsTue, 31 Mar 2015 13:57:11 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419944If an unexpected layoff or pricey car repair were to occur, many Americans would find themselves stuck without the financial resources to help alleviate their problem. Neighbor Works America conducted its second annual consumer finance survey and found that approximately 34% of Americans don’t have any emergency savings. Another 25% of Americans have just enough savings to get by for one month in the event of a financial emergency.

The lack of savings affects black families even more, along with low income families and those with no college education. The survey reports that “There is a large disparity in the ability to save, with the highest percentages of households without any savings at all seen among African-Americans low income adults with lower incomes, and among those with a high school education or less.” African American households made up 47% of those without savings, as compared to 19% of Caucasian households. Hispanic families without savings was also disproportionately less (41%) than white families.

Fifty percent of families who earned less than $40,000 a year admitted to not having a savings. There was a significant gap in comparison to families earning $40,000 to $59,000 a year (34%), homes earning $60,000 to $100,000 (21%), and those earning $100,000 and more (17%) who didn’t have any savings. Additionally, more family heads who only had a high school education or less (49%) were said to have no money set aside, versus family earners who had a college degree (18%).

Neighbor Works finds that while the economy is in recovery and the unemployment rate is declining, major costs, like housing, is on the rise. And although everyday expenses, like gasoline, have dropped, it is still difficult for American families to build a savings—especially as they bounce back from the Great Recession.

On May 15, Hobson will deliver a speech to more than 60,000 members of the Trojan family and share words of wisdom with the young graduating leaders. In addition to serving as a speaker, Hobson will also receive an honorary degree for her contributions as a civic, academic and arts leader in the community.

As head of one of the largest African American owned money management fund companies in the nation, Hobson first began her career at Ariel Investments as an intern from Princeton University. Speaking at Black Enterprise’s 10th Annual Women of Power Summit, Hobson opened up about her career journey to success and her determination to be at the top of the corporate ladder. In addition to her work at Ariel, the Chicago native is the chairwoman of DreamWorks Animation, director of The Estée Lauder Companies and Starbucks Corp., and is the chairwoman of After School Matters, which is a nonprofit that provides extracurricular programs for Chicago teens. Hobson also serves on the boards of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and The Chicago Public Education Fund, and was appointed emeritus trustee of the Sundance Institute.

On May 15th she will receive her honorary degree from USC alongside other community leaders like Attorney General of California Kamala Harris, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, and many more.

The awards took place at the Los Angeles’ legendary“Fabulous” Forum and was hosted by recording artist/actor and kids’ pick for Favorite Male Singer Nick Jonas. The awards are ae the perfect time for kids to celebrate their favorites from the worlds of film, music, television and more. More than 500 million votes were received from kids around the world.

Multi-talented host Jonas opened the show with a stunning performance of his Billboard Top 10 smash, “Chains,” and number-one radio hit, “Jealous.” Backed by tween metal trio Unlocking the Truth, his theatrical set also featured a celeb-filled video montage, 3D elements and aerialists. Hip-hop phenomenon Iggy Azalea was joined by Academy Award- and Grammy-winner Jennifer Hudson onstage in a bold and dynamic rendition of their hit “Trouble,” which continued the storyline of their popular music video. In an epic finale, Aussie pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer’s powerful performance of “What I Like About You” literally blew out the slime-filled speakers, flooding the stage with thousands of gallons of slime.

Multi-talented host Jonas opened the show with a stunning performance of his Billboard Top 10 smash, “Chains,” and number-one radio hit, “Jealous.” Backed by tween metal trio Unlocking the Truth, his theatrical set also featured a celeb-filled video montage, 3D elements and aerialists. Hip-hop phenomenon Iggy Azalea was joined by Academy Award- and Grammy-winner Jennifer Hudson onstage in a bold and dynamic rendition of their hit “Trouble,” which continued the storyline of their popular music video. In an epic finale, Aussie pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer’s powerful performance of “What I Like About You” literally blew out the slime-filled speakers, flooding the stage with thousands of gallons of slime.

The following are Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards winners:

TELEVISION:

Favorite Kids TV ShowAustin & Ally

Favorite TV ActorRoss Lynch (Austin & Ally)

Favorite TV ActressLaura Marano (Austin & Ally)

Favorite CartoonSpongeBob SquarePants

Favorite Reality ShowDance Moms

Favorite Talent Competition ShowThe Voice

Favorite Family TV ShowModern Family

FILM:

Favorite MovieThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1

Favorite VillainAngelina Jolie Pitt (Maleficent)

Favorite Movie ActorBen Stiller (Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb)

Favorite Song Of The Year“Bang Bang” (Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj)

Favorite New ArtistFifth Harmony

Replays of the awards will also air on CMT Sunday, March 29, at 3 p.m. (ET/PT); Nicktoons on March 30, at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT); and TeenNick on Thursday, April 2, at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards will be available on Nickelodeon On Demand, Nick App and Nick.com beginning Sunday, March 29.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/recap-nickelodeons-2015-annual-kids%e2%80%99-choice-awards-winners/feed/0Oneika Raymond, 70 Countries and 3 Lessons Learnedhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/oneika-raymond-70-countries-3-lessons-learned/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/oneika-raymond-70-countries-3-lessons-learned/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 22:30:08 +0000Kandia Johnsonhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419670Oneika Raymond, educator, writer and founder of the incredibly popular blog, Oneika the Traveler has always been inspired by travel. “I grew up in a very multicultural city (Toronto, Canada) and am of Jamaican parentage, so I’ve always had a passion for and a curiosity about different people, places, languages, and cultures.”

As a serial expat, she’s visited 70 countries on 6 continents, so it should come as no surprise that she has more than a few lessons learned to share. From race relations and the downside to living as an expat to the most valuable things she’s learned about herself, Black Enterprise caught up with the expert wanderer to learn more about her journey.

While living in France, Mexico, Hong Kong, and the UK, what did you learn about yourself?

My two years in France essentially taught me about myself– who I am as a person. Those years were really formative and I grew a lot from the experience.

Mexico taught me to be truly independent from a travel perspective– it was there that I started traveling solo, something that had initially scared me.

Hong Kong taught me about East and Southeast Asian cultures. Before my move to Asia I had only really seen the world from a “Western” perspective. Asia opened me up to different cultural norms, entirely different languages, and diverse histories and religions that I knew nothing about previously. Additionally I learned the following three things about myself:

1. I am fiercely independent and really enjoy my own company. I thus enjoy the freedom of solo travel.

2. I love meeting people “on the road” and love learning their stories. I find myself striking up conversations with people randomly when I travel– I love learning about their lives and what makes them tick.

3. I’m not a fan of museums at all. I much prefer interacting with locals and learning the about the country’s/city’s history that way. I thrive on human interaction and find it more effective to learn about a place through engaging with its people.

How do you manage your career as a teacher and founder of “Oneika the Traveler?”

Juggling my teaching career with my blog is a lot more difficult, however, because they both require so much of my time. My teaching job is consuming as my days are very full: I work from 7:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday. In that time, I prepare and teach lessons, meet with colleagues to discuss curriculum, and deal with student issues.

In addition to teaching I have a role in middle management at my school, so I also have a number of responsibilities attached to that as well. With such a full plate, blogging sometimes falls by the wayside, even though sharing my travel tips, photos, and stories is my passion. As such, I try to write blog posts on evenings or weekends, when I don’t have to work, but sometimes the pull of going out with friends or exploring Hong Kong is too strong! Dedicating more time to blog is something I’m actively working on.

Has race ever been a problem for you traveling abroad?

Knock on wood, race has never really been a problem for me when it comes to travel! 99.9% of my experiences “traveling while black” have been positive. Yes, I get stares in places in many parts of Asia (and in some cases people have tried to touch my hair or skin). But it’s always in the spirit of curiosity and positivity and I find that their reactions are very complimentary.

The only place I have had a negative experience is when I traveled solo to Dublin, Ireland. A group of young men followed me down the street and yelled out derogatory comments about the size of my behind. I know the comments were racially charged because they attempted to speak to me in Ebonics. That said, I would happily return to Dublin and don’t believe that those gentlemen were representative of the whole country.

What about the downsides of living as an expat?

For me there are very few downsides. Living abroad is the best thing I’ve ever done! However, one thing that I find difficult is missing out on important life events back home like weddings, births, and graduations.

As much as the Internet, Facebook, Whatsapp and Skype make it easy to keep in touch, they are not a replacement for physically being in someone’s life.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/oneika-raymond-70-countries-3-lessons-learned/feed/0BE Exclusive: Snoop Dogg Talks Guns, 401(k)s, and How Blacks Can Raise Their Financial Voicehttp://www.blackenterprise.com/money/consumer-affairs/be-exclusive-snoop-dogg-talks-guns-401-ks-how-blacks-can-raise-their-financial-voice/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/consumer-affairs/be-exclusive-snoop-dogg-talks-guns-401-ks-how-blacks-can-raise-their-financial-voice/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 21:30:28 +0000Stacey Tisdalehttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419790Entertainment icon Snoop Dogg recently caught the attention of Wall Street, Main Street, and the gun industry by joining forces with an anti-gun violence campaign called #ImUnloading. It’s part of a project called “Unload Your 401k” and is a partnership between “Campaign to Unload,” “States United to Prevent Gun Violence,” and “No Guns Allowed.”

The campaign aims to get the near 52 million Americans who own 401 (k)s to pressure their financial companies to sell stocks in gun companies, taking direct aim at the financial engine that churns the seemingly unstoppable gun lobby in Washington.

“I’ve been involved in the movement to stop gun violence for a while and was happy to lend my voice to another cause fighting this same fight,” Snoop tells BE. “I’m tired of seeing our communities and loved ones die from senseless gun violence,” says the rapper who once championed gun violence in songs “Bang Out.”

As of February 2015, just three gun companies in the United States had nearly $3 trillion dollars of mutual fund investment dollars in their coffers. Smith & Wesson, stock symbol (SWHC) Sturm Ruger (RGR), and Olin (OLN).

The national divestment coalition was born out of the the Newtown school shootings in Connecticut. Jennifer Fiore, is the founding Executive Director of “Campaign to Unload” which spearheads divestment nationally. “When the Senate background check bill failed in 2013, I saw how powerful the gun lobby truly was, and that we needed to counter its political power with our economic power” said Fiore. “Campaign to Unload” originated out of a partnership with now New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio and 50 local and national organizations dedicated to ending gun violence. In 2013, the group persuaded 10 hedge funds to divest $171 million from Smith & Wesson, Sturm Ruger, and Olin.

“We’re not trying to put these companies out of business, but we’re trying to remind them that they are responsible to the American public. If we can’t get policies to do that, we will give them a nudge where it counts,” adds Fiore.

You can go to the Unload Your 401 (k) website. The site says your fund is, ” required by law to invest your money in a manner that’s suitable for your situation. It’s up to you to let them know that gun stocks are something you want to avoid—and it’s up to them to do the best they can to make that happen.”

The Interview: The Power of the Black Purse

In addition to the impact Snoop’s attention may be able to leverage against the gun lobby, he is very cognizant of the impact he can have when it comes to helping Blacks look at their financial lives, particularly when it comes to saving for retirement.

“I think it’s great that he will get people talking about these things and really important that we should find out if our money is going to companies that are doing things that are destructive in the Black community. Consumers have power….There is power in consumption,” she adds.

Snoop echoed those sentiments in our full interview. Please read it below and Tweet your comments to @stisdale1 #ImUnloading

(BE): Where did the idea for the #ImUnloading campaign come from?

(Snoop): The “Unload Your 401K” campaign was a partnership between my anti-gun violence initiative “No Guns Allowed” and “Campaign to Unload” and “States United to Prevent Gun Violence.” I’ve been involved in the movement to stop gun violence for a while and was happy to lend my voice to another cause fighting this same fight.

(BE): What do you aim to accomplish with the #ImUnloading campaign?

(Snoop): My goal is to encourage people to “Unload their 401Ks” to save lives and make our communities safer.

(BE): Why did you target 401(k)’s when it comes to making an impact on gun control?

(Snoop): Gun violence isn’t just an issue that affects people with 401Ks. Even if you don’t have a 401K, it’s still important to know where your money is going. We all can do our part to help stop gun violence.

(BE): This campaign also sends a strong message about investing. African-Americans do not participate in the financial markets at the same rate as other groups. Many of those reasons are socioeconomic and due to a lack of trust in Wall Street financial service companies. What message do you want to send to Blacks when it comes to investing?

(Snoop): My advice is if you’re going to invest, you should check with your employer or financial adviser to see where your investments are going. You should also urge your employers to offer a “no guns allowed” 401K option.

(BE): You have had run ins with the law in terms of gun possession. You have championed gun violence in songs like “Bang Out.” What has shifted in you to inspire this campaign and why?

(Snoop): I’m tired of seeing our communities and loved ones die from senseless gun violence. My “No Guns Allowed” campaign was inspired from an open letter written by the Executive Director of the League of Young Voters thanking me for my single “No Guns Allowed.” The song spoke about the issues of gun violence in our communities and emphasized how we need to come together to spread the peace. It’s important as entertainers to lift up our voices to create change.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/consumer-affairs/be-exclusive-snoop-dogg-talks-guns-401-ks-how-blacks-can-raise-their-financial-voice/feed/2South African Safari and 4 More Affordable Travel Destinationshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/money/consumer-affairs/affordable-travel-destinations/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/consumer-affairs/affordable-travel-destinations/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 21:15:48 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419869According to Citibank, the American dollar is the strongest its been in 40 years. Since the start of 2015, the value has increased about 14%, which means that “Just about everything from hotels to luxury handbags to McDonald’s hamburgers is cheaper abroad than in the United States right now,” CNNreports.

The same is true for airfare, making some of the world’s best vacation spots friendlier on your pockets than they have been in previous years. With summer almost here, think about traveling to these more affordable travel destinations.

South Africa

Now, it’s 13% cheaper to vacation in South Africa as the country’s currency is losing value against the U.S. dollar. Flights leaving New York headed to Capetown are 24% less than they were last year. Plan a thrilling and educational getaway for your little ones on a South African safari.

Brazil

If you’ve always wanted to experience the sunny climate and party with the festive people, now is your chance. The Brazilian currency lost nearly 30% in value against the U.S. dollar as compared to last year, according to CNN. Hotels are also 12% cheaper, but prices are expected to jump soon for the Summer Olympics in 2016.

Russia

A year ago, one American dollar equaled 45 Russian roubles. Now, the same American dollar equals 57 roubles. CNN reports that the dispute between Ukraine and Russia has deterred travelers, so now the tourism industry is trying to attract visitors with significant discounts. Flights from New York to Moscow are 37% down in cost, while hotel costs fell 45%.

Paris

The city full of love and romance is a dream getaway for may vacationers, and the destination may actually be a reality this summer if travelers have $519 to spare. Some roundtrip flights to Paris are that low. Other European hot spots, like Germany, Italy and Spain, are also cheaper than before—nearly 20% less than a year ago.

Colombia

The United States dollar bill has an 18% increased value on Colombia’s peso within the past year, hotels are reportedly down 10%. Bogota, the capital, and Medellin, Colombia’s second biggest city, are also evolving into tech and cultural targets. For the traveler who wants to go and soak up the sun, the country has plenty of breathtaking beaches.

The legacy of the author, poet, actress, and champion of civil rights’ will live on via the stamp, which showcases Atlanta-based artist Ross Rossin’s 2013 4ft. by 4ft. oil-on-canvas portrait of her. The large hyper-realistic painting reflected on the stamp is part of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s collection, and its pane includes an excerpt from Angelou’s book, “Letter to My Daughter,” that reads, “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” Art director Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Maryland, designed the stamp.

Lionsgate’s Codeblack Films and the University of Southern California have partnered to launch a scholarship and screenwriting contest for African American students enrolled in USC’s School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) Writing for Screen and Television Division.

Starting next month, Codeblack films will donate $50,000 to the scholarship fund, which will be awarded primarily to black students with a high financial need. Each academic year until 2018-2019, a $25,000 scholarship will be given to new students.

“We are honored that Codeblack Films and Lionsgate have decided to invest in the next generation of talented SCA writers,” said Elizabeth M. Daley, who is dean of the School of Cinematic Arts tells. “These kinds of student support funds assist the school in making a cinematic arts education possible for every young person who has something exciting to say. These are the students who will be creating the characters and stories that will have us talking in the coming years.”

In addition to establishing a scholarship fund, the partnership has also created a screenwriting contest, where various prizes amounting to $25,000 will be awarded to feature film and television scripts focused on stories that relate to African American audiences.

“We’re delighted to support diverse new voices and encourage emerging filmmakers to continue painting pictures that offer a richer and more complete portrayal of the world around us,” said Codeblack Films founder and president Jeff Clanagan. “USC’s School of Cinematic Arts has a legacy of encouraging its student body to explore new perspectives, and we’re excited to partner with them to continue that tradition.”

As recent college graduates struggle for months to find jobs, teaching children entrepreneurship is an invaluable life skill. Whether you have a desire to pass on the family business or teach your kids how to create their own opportunities, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset helps children focus on solutions rather than the problem.

Black Enterprise caught up with Theo and D’Andra Ulmer, the parents of 10-year old Mikaila Ulmer, CEO ofBee Sweet Lemonade, for some advice on raising kid entrepreneurs.

I think the biggest advice we can share with parents is don’t be limited by the power of your own imagination. Too often we, as parents, hesitate when our children come to us excited by a new idea. We should focus more on their excitement than the idea and encourage to always passionately pursue their dreams. Only after this period of encouragement should we begin to research the idea, helping them shape it into an achievable solution.

What are some ugly truths about preparing kids for entrepreneurship?

Children will learn very quickly that everyone will not support their ideas or passions. Young children must be comfortable with hearing the word “no.” Our kids know that we support and love them regardless of what others say or feel.

Additionally, you must work extra hard to make sure everyone (including all siblings ) in the family feel supported and loved.

What sacrifices do you think parents need to make when encouraging a young child to pursue a business venture?

Our experience is a little different. Although we signed Mikaila up for a youth entrepreneur event in 2009 (age four), since the event, we have been working hard to keep up with her dreams and passion.

It is hard work for everyone. It’s very similar to having a child playing on a Select Sports Team. Everyone in the family has a job/responsibility. Even Jacob, our 7-year-old son, works as the BeeSweet Lemonade Sales Representative. Our family time often revolves around BeeSweet Lemonade events/activities, so we choose Mikaila’s events wisely. We find ourselves saying yes to events that are kid friendly, and fun for entire family.

On Mikaila’s Instagram she pays tribute to her mom for marketing tips and encouraging her to be a brave entrepreneur? Can you share some of those gems?

Just like vegetables, I ask my kids to “try it at least once.’ If they do not like it, at least they can say they have tried it. I do my very best to make sure that first experience is both great and memorable (the vegetables must taste good too).

Secondly, practice and be prepared. The easiest way to calm fears is to feel prepared and ready. I teach Mikaila what is required to be prepared for a dance recital, school play or honeybee workshop. Then we practice while having fun doing it. Eventually, after years of being an entrepreneur and learning how to prepare for many different opportunities, she now gives me a list of what she needs from me to be prepared.

Do you have any tips on how to teach kids entrepreneurship? Share your tips with me in the comments section below.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/four-tips-to-teach-your-kids-entrepreneurship/feed/05 Women Who Revamped Their Careers on Broadwayhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/career/five-women-careers-brodway/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/five-women-careers-brodway/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 18:00:20 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419659In the entertainment industry, it’s all about rebranding and evolving. Longevity is only afforded to those who are bold enough to face new challenges and step outside of their norm. BlackEnterprise.com recently reported that R&B divas Deborah Cox and Brandy will be taking on the Broadway stage this year in major productions Josephine and Chicago, respectively.

Some more of our favorite woman entertainers have also maximized their crafts beyond the recording studio and film set, exposing a new layer of their talent on the Broadway stage. Take a look at these stars and get to know their work on The Great White Way.

(Image: Facebook)

Toni Braxton

Legendary artist Toni Braxton temporarily rested her vocals from chilling ballads, like “Unbreak My Heart,” and belted out theatrical Broadway tunes in Beauty and the Beast (1998), Aida (2003) and After Midnight (2013).

(Image: Facebook)

Fantasia

Fantasia’s jazzy and soulful vocals make her a rare talent and favorite among her international fans. The “American Idol” winner made her 2007 Broadway debut in The Color Purple, produced by Oprah Winfrey, and returned in 2013 for After Midnight.

(Image: Facebook)

Nicole Ari Parker

The Soul Food actress made her Broadway debut in the classic, A Street Car Named Desire. Alongside Blair Underwood, Ari Parker made history as the 2012 revival was the first time that the play depicted a multicultural cast.

(Image: Facebook)

Jennifer Hudson

Broadway confirmed that Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson is making her debut this year. The Color Purple is returning to the stage, and Hudson will play Shug Avery.

(Image: Facebook)

NeNe Leakes

If there’s one woman who gets branding, it’s NeNe Leakes. Leakes, who rose to fame after starring in the reality TV series Real Housewives of Atlanta, transformed into Madame, the wicked stepmother, in the 2014 Broadway production of Cinderella.

Ever since 52-year-old Jon Stewart announced in February that he would be leaving The Daily Show after a successful 16-year run, speculations have surfaced about who would be chosen to replace the comedian. On Monday, Comedy Central put all the speculations to rest with the announcement that comedian Trevor Noah would be Stewart’s successor.

Noah, who’s name is familiar to some and completely foreign to others, is a popular South African comedian who has been making noise abroad for his funny punchlines that often speak on his unique experience growing up as a mixed race kid in a Soweto township during South Africa’s apartheid era. Traveling the globe with his comedic talent and a mic in hand, Noah has slowly built up a loyal international following that has garnered him more than 2 million followers on Twitter. But for those who know little to nothing about the young comedian who will soon be a regular on our television screen, below are five facts to help you get familiar with the 31-year-old.

1. He has a South African show called That’s Racist where he uses he comedic chops to tackle racial tensions and bring tough social and political topics to the forefront of conversation. He has also served as the host of his own late night show in his native country called Tonight with Trevor Noah.

2. He doesn’t write down any of his material for a show. Instead, he prepares by “living life” and evolving the stories that are of interest to him. He says about 90 percent of everything he says on stage is true and he just finds a way to make it funny.

3. Noah’s unique ability to speak six languages sets him a part from other comedians and makes it easier for him to travel the globe and do stand-up. His first one-man show in Johannesburg in 2009 was documented in the filmYou Laugh But It’s True, which chronicled his quick rise to success as a comedian.

4. In 2012, he appeared as a stand-up comedian on The Tonight Show and in 2013 he appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, making him the first South African comedian to appear on both shows.

5. Before being finalized as Stewart’s official successor, Noah became a contributor for The Daily Show in December 2014.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/five-things-know-about-jon-trevor-noah/feed/1T.I. Opens his First Restaurant: Scales 925http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/t-i-opens-first-restaurant-scales-925/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/t-i-opens-first-restaurant-scales-925/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 16:21:51 +0000Cristie Leondishttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419709According to reports, hip-hop mogul T.I. has opened a new business, and this time it’s a restaurant. His latest venture, an upscale eatery in downtown Atlanta called Scales 925, is the latest addition to his long list of businesses: He is co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records, owner of Club Crucial in Atlanta, and he debuted a clothing line in the African fashion scene last October.

Scales 925, scheduled to open to the public April 14, will feature Southern soul food such as Triple Duck Meatloaf and Buttermilk Fried Red Snapper, according to a statement. T.I.’s latest film, Get Hard, released March 27, opened strongly, earning an estimated $34.6 million at the box office. T.I. starred opposite Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell.

Will you check out Scales 925? Share your thoughts with us below.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/t-i-opens-first-restaurant-scales-925/feed/1NFL to Hire B. Todd Jones as Disciplinary Officerhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/nfl-hire-b-todd-jones-disciplinary-officer/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/nfl-hire-b-todd-jones-disciplinary-officer/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 15:51:51 +0000Daron Pressleyhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418410According to reports, the NFL is set to hire B. Todd Jones to oversee player discipline as discipline officer. Jones, who recently resigned as the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), will be in charge of the league’s new personal conduct policy which was adopted in December 2014. His new post will also include fining and suspending violators of the conduct policy.

After a tumultuous 2014 NFL season filled with several high-profile issues involving player conduct, and the process the NFL used to conduct investigations, Commissioner Roger Goodell is reported to be taking proactive measures.

Goodell was heavily criticized for his handling of former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice and the NFL investigative process. The Rice case and others involving players including Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy of the Dallas Cowboys led to a stronger policy with an automatic six-game suspension for domestic violence offenses.

Jones, a 57-year-old former Marine, will leave his ATF post in about two weeks, sources said.

Daron Pressley (@daronpressley) is an entrepreneur and former Fortune 500 sales and marketing executive who has been featured on outlets including Fox45 News, Black Enterprise magazine, and The Washington Post. Knowledgeable in marketing and branding, Pressley works with professional athletes, organizations, and individuals to develop strategies to create, build, and grow brands. As a speaker, Pressley has reached more than 20,000 students. He also provides dynamic insights on leadership and branding via his Website: DaronPressley.com.

According to new documents and reports, University of Mississippi student Graeme Phillip Harris has been charged with a federal civil rights crime. In addition, Harris has been indicted on one count of conspiracy and one count of using a threat of force in hopes of intimidating black students.

The FBI states that Harris, along with three other students, conspired to hang a rope around the neck of the James Meredith statue on the campus. Harris and the other students allegedly did this under cover of darkness by using an outdated version of the Georgia state flag, which depicts the Confederate battle flag. James Meredith, the university’s first black student, integrated the university in 1962. The FBI is continuing the investigation, as the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty.

U.S. media sources have reported that the three other students involved were members of a fraternity; as a consequence they have been expelled and the fraternity chapter has been suspended.

This is the latest in a number of instances of racist behavior on college campuses. Recently, students at the University of Oklahoma led a racist chant by members of their college fraternity that went viral online.

Attorney General Eric Holder stated, “This shameful and ignorant act is an insult to all Americans and a violation of our most strongly held values. No one should ever be made to feel threatened or intimidated because of what they look like or who they are. By taking appropriate action to hold wrongdoers accountable, the Department of Justice is sending a clear message that flagrant infringements of our historic civil rights will not go unnoticed or unpunished.”

What do you think about this incident? Share your thoughts with us below.

Honored with the Innovator of the Year Award in 2010 at the summit (then called the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference), Winbush is one of the youngest and brightest CEOs in the tech industry. A self-made millionaire before the age of 30, he quickly grew his company, CyberSynchs, into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.

“You don’t have to be in technology to create something accessible and game changing,” he said. “Look around your everyday life at technologies or utilities, and ask ‘How can I make this better?’ Then, research and find out how to bring that product to market. It’s not just about money; it’s about how you can innovate because you need this tool. The question I ask myself is ‘how can I create a product that is valuable and usable?’”

In 2012, the reluctant television star’s appearance on ABC’s Secret Millionaire found him posing as a broke musician finding who was worthy of receiving his support and donation. Describing the experience as “cathartic” with no access to family or technology other than an AM/FM radio for 8 days, today Winbush continues to focus on giving back. His goal is to bring others forward to the place of success he remains today. “No one is going to live your dream the way that you are actually expecting it to be,” he points out. “You have to be the person that sets that expectation, follows through with it and delivers results.”

The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide is set for May 13-16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/entrepreneurs-conference/entrepreneurs-summit-amos-winbush-brings-innovation-inspiration-tech/feed/0Destiny’s Child Reunites for a Gospel Performancehttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/destinys-child-reunites-gospel/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/destinys-child-reunites-gospel/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 15:00:26 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419620Saturday night marked the 30th Annual Stellar Awards. Gospel music’s brightest stars, like Erica Campbell and Deitrick Haddon, united to celebrate the occasion and their faith through song and live performances.

Every year, the event showcases arguably entertainment’s cream of the crop talent and artists across multiple genres take to the Stellar stage and belt out gospel classics and hits. This year, reuniting with their gospel roots was Kelly Rowland and Beyonce. The two Destiny’s Child members accompanied their band mate Michelle Williams to perform her spirited number “Say Yes” off of her latest album, Journey to Freedom.

Williams, who’s released several gospel albums since the group separation, took to Instagram to share a warming pic of the three, along with a touching caption.

The night was an extra special one for the “Say Yes” singer, as the smash single also snagged her the Music Video of the Year award—her first Stellar win. The video, which featured Williams and her Destiny’s Child sisters, was equally popular across both secular and faith-based platforms.

In a more playful manner, Williams also used IG to reveal the win and mimicked Drake’s surprise album cover to show her enthusiasm.

Coming from an extensive background in education, public service and the arts, Campbell was appointed dean of the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University in 1991 and retired from her position in August 2014. Prior to her tenure at NYU, Campbell led efforts in transforming the Studio Museum in Harlem from a rented loft over a liquor store into the country’s first accredited black fine arts museum. She currently serves as vice chairwoman of a presidential committee that works to improve the importance of art in public schools.

Last September, Campbell visited the prestigious black women’s college to help the school plan the renovation of its art facility and from there the relationship grew.

“I was blown away,” Campbell told Philly.com. “…I thought how phenomenal it is to be a black woman and come to a place where you are the heart and soul of the mission of that place.”

Campbell, who earned a bachelor’s in English literature from Swarthmore College and a master’s and Ph.D. from Syracuse University, will officially step into her new role August 1, 2015. She says her goal at Spelman is to focus on increasing financial aid to attract the best students, while bringing in more resources for teaching and research and developing the new arts facility.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/mary-schmidt-campbell-named-president-spelman-college/feed/1Jay-Z Set to Relaunch Tidal, a New Music Servicehttp://www.blackenterprise.com/news/jay-z-set-relaunch-new-music-service-tidal/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/jay-z-set-relaunch-new-music-service-tidal/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 13:25:01 +0000Cristie Leondishttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419623According to reports, Jay-Z is set to relaunch the music service Tidal today with new releases by some of the biggest names in music such as Kanye West, Daft Punk, and Madonna. Tidal, the rapper’s new high-definition music streaming service, has been sending out invitations for a press conference to be held at 5 p.m. EST today.

In February, S. Carter Enterprises made a $56 million bid to purchase the Scandinavian company Aspiro, which operates streaming music company Tidal in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.; and the WiMP music service in Norway, Sweden, and other parts of Europe. Similar to the way Spotify and Pandora work, Aspiro offers services through subscriptions, which cost about $20 a month.

What do you think? Will you use Tidal? Share your thoughts with us below.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/jay-z-set-relaunch-new-music-service-tidal/feed/25 Signs Its Time To ‘Divorce’ Your Employerhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/career/five-signs-its-time-to-divorce-your-employer/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/five-signs-its-time-to-divorce-your-employer/#commentsSat, 28 Mar 2015 14:00:44 +0000Kandia Johnsonhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419541When most of us hear the word “divorce” we think about two individuals who were once blissfully married have drifted apart—for various reasons. Maybe they got into the marriage for the wrong reasons, their priorities and interests changed or they became incredibly unhappy because their needs were not being met. Believe it or not, the reasons for “divorce” functions much in the same way as the employee-employer relationship. After spending 10-12 hours a day working at a job for a period of time, a shift occurs and the relationship begins to unravel.

Despite many attempts to restore trust in your employer or interest in your work, it’s just not working. This isn’t always a bad thing. Nicole K. Webb. As a human fesource consultant, career coach and founder of theNK Webb Group, Webb uses her past experiences as a road map to help clients uncover their full potential and grow their small businesses.

a human resource consultant, career coach and founder of the NK Webb Group, shares the following signs that it may be time to leave your employer.

1. Lack of growth opportunities: You are no longer challenged and starting to feel that you are the “smartest person in the room.” The reality is most organizational structures are designed based on the business and operational needs, not on an employee’s specific needs. Therefore, the employer is not obligated to, and likely won’t, modify its structure to satisfy your interests. Find a job within a company or organization that can provide you with opportunities to advance.

2. Your employer has engaged in unethical or illegal business practices: Most often, there is more than one participant behind a company’s questionable practices. Usually, unethical and illegal business practices are used to cover up a number of problems that have existed for a long time. These deep-rooted issues will take a while for the organization to correct, if they plan on correcting them at all. Search for a new job that is not only transparent about its beliefs and values, but it consistently enforces a code of ethics and business conduct for everyone within the organization. Additionally, make sure your professional beliefs and values are aligned to your prospective employer.

3. You don’t fit in with the corporate culture: Your work environment is toxic and unhealthy. It’s extremely difficult for you to perform your duties without having to deal with unnecessary stress or drama. In fact, it’s only a matter of time before your built-up frustration causes you to respond in a negative manner. Walk away with your head held high and your employee record blemish-free. During your next job search, seek out employees who are currently working within the organization or have previously worked for the company and ask these questions recommended byLadders.com. “What are the most common complaints employees make about the company culture or what do you love best about the culture here?”

4. Your supervisor is incompetent: As a result, you’re often tasked with some of their duties while also responsible for your own. This will continue to be a problem because on your first day of work, you likely signed a piece of paper defining your job description, where the final line included the following statement: “May be tasked with performing other duties as assigned by management.” So, when you accepted the position, you agreed to perform additional duties as needed. As a result, your supervisor can continue to take advantage of your knowledge and experience whenever they see fit. Find a new job or role within a department or company that has a competent leadership staff. Look for leaders who value teamwork as well as those who are highly experienced and well credentialed.

5. You’re ready to transition from employee to employer: Your level of commitment to your employer slowly begins to decline because you are mentally cheating on your day job with your dream job. Face your fears; do your research and take the entrepreneurial plunge. At 31 years old, I have been very fortunate explore several career opportunities that prepared me for where I am today.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Using this hands-on-approach, you can inspire kids to see the world beyond their environment. From a young girl creating an app to help kids deal with bullying to another young innovator debugging a robot at IBM watch these five motivational videos to get your kids excited about opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The #PotentialofUs initiative is aVerizon campaign dedicated to helping young innovators celebrate and create history. Watch 6, eighth graders at the Bronx Academy of Promise talk about winning the Verizon Innovative App Challenge and expanding their dreams into the science, technology and engineering fields.

Continue watching on the next page…

Girls Around the World Use Technology to Address Access to Safe Spaces: #HACKGIRLSRIGHTS

Co-produced by Global Fund for Womenand GlobalGirl Media, this video follows girls in five international cities as they #hackgirlsrights by creating innovative mobile- and web-based solutions to a critical issues facing women and girls — access to safe spaces. “I remember a boy in my computer class told me “I couldn’t be a CEO of Apple because I was a girl.” As a girl you’re kind of used to growing up with these statements.”

Educate to Innovate: The Third Annual White House Science Fair

This video takes you behind the scenes of one of President Barack Obama’s favorite events of the year—The Annual White House Science Fair. “One of the things that I’ve been focused on as President is how we create an all-hands-on-deck approach to science, technology, engineering, and math… We need to make this a priority to train an army of new teachers in these subject areas, and to make sure that all of us as a country are lifting up these subjects for the respect that they deserve,” said President Obama during a White House briefing.

Black Girls Code: The Series Part 1

Black girls code, one of the very first movements dedicated to helping girls succeed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, created a series of videos designed to inspire students, administrators and parents.

Black Girls Code: The Series Part 2

In this second series of unique videos produced by Black Girls code, you’ll hear directly from students, administrators and parents talk about the challenge of gaining access to opportunities in South Florida.

Do you know of any motivational STEM videos for kids? If so, share your video links in the comments section below.

For 16 years, the Star Awards program has acknowledged the exemplary contributions and work of suppliers and Delta team members who champion diversity.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to say thanks and celebrate our successful partnerships, which are built on Delta’s core values of honesty, integrity and respect,” said Greg May, Delta’s SVP of supply chain management. “Supplier diversity is critical to delivering a quality product and exceeding our customers’ expectations.”

Honorees are nominated and selected by a review committee based on categories including quality, value creation, innovation, customer service, cost savings and community involvement.

This year’s winners included:

Small Business of the Year – PHS/MWA Aviation Services, Temecula, Calif.

Minority-owned Business of the Year – Agile 1, Torrance, Calif.

Woman-owned Business of the Year – GAT Airline Ground Support, Mobile, Ala.

“The relationships we share with our diverse suppliers are driven by collaborative engagement,” said Karmetria Burton, Delta’s general manager of supply chain management strategic programs. “Working together, we are able to achieve mutual success.”

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/delta-air-lines-honors-suppliers-championing-diversity-star-awards/feed/1Meek Mill Releases Second Footwear Collaboration with Pumahttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/meek-mill-releases/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/meek-mill-releases/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 20:44:22 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419546Philly rapper Meek Mill joined the Puma family to design his own line of sneakers for the athletic brand. In January, the pair released their “24 K White Gold” collection, featuring the PUMA Suede Classic silhouette in a metallic gold and silver. The shiny footwear retailed for $130.

Meek’s latest collaboration, the “Patent” Pack, with Puma was released this month and mirrors the Basket and Challenge silhouettes. The sneakers don’t have the same luxe appeal as their metallic predecessors, but are still plenty of flashy, much like Meek Mill, in black patent leather. The PUMA Basket “Patent” ($100) is accented with a red outsole and laces, while the PUMA Challenge “Patent” ($120) has a silver bottom and two silver lace loops on each side.

The “Levels” rapper took to his Instagram to post the latest release with the caption, “I’m advancing in life… I always knew I would. ‘Keep grinding.’”

The idea of mixing the black hair market with the ecosystems of Silicon Valley may seem like a foreign concept to many, but for 34-year-old Hampton University alum Diishan Imira the idea sounded perfect.

Growing up in a family full of hair stylists and seeing first hand how black hair salons were not gaining profit off the hair extensions they were installing, Imira knew it was up to him to find a solution.

“We spend $9 billion on hair products every year, but less than 5 percent of [our salons] retail any products,” Imira told BlackEnterprise.com. “I wanted to change the way the products were sold. I wanted the hairstylists in the salons to be able to participate in the entire supply chain process.”

To solve this problem, the California native created an innovative technology platform that allows hair stylists to sell hair extensions directly to their clients without a middle man involved. With starter funding from family, friends and angel investors that totaled $50,000 Imira and his business partner, Taylor Wang, birthed the idea of Mayvenn, Inc. in 2012.

Unlike other American entrepreneurs in the hair weave business, Imira did not rely solely on his domestic contacts to build his company. With a background in international trade and a passion for building relationships with suppliers, Imira along with Wang traveled to Asia to get their first batch of inventory and build direct relationships with suppliers there. In addition to fostering relationships abroad, the two co-founders worked aggressively at home to gain funding for their start-up. But with an anti-pattern tech company in Silicon Valley, the young entrepreneurs faced many challenges with trying to get investors to understand the growing business of the black hair market.

“It took a very long time of knocking on doors trying to get people to hear us,” said Imira. “Then once the right person heard us, we got into this accelerator called 500 Startups, and once you get into that program it’s like now you have some credibility and investors start to listen in a different way.”

But getting accepted into 500 Startups in April 2013 seemed to be only half the battle for Imira and Wang, whose target product audience is the African American community.

“When we came into 500 Startups, every body was looking like ‘What is this crazy thing they let in? ‘This is technology and these dudes have boxes of hair,’” said Imira. “So you have the majority of people who don’t get it and don’t care, but then there are investors who are looking for things that are weird and that they don’t quite understand. That’s their investment thesis. They want to go find the things that not everybody else is doing.”

During the summer of 2013 Imira and Wang stayed in Mountain View, California where they immersed themselves into the cut throat culture of Silicon Valley and introduced their product to several investors. By August 2013, they raised $750,000 in investment funding and in October 2013 Mayvenn, Inc. was officially launched.

With just a year and a half of operational experience under its belt, Mayvenn has now raised $3 million in venture capital funding and has a network of over 25,000 stylists. With the continued mission to involve hair stylists in the process of buying and selling products, Imira and Wang’s goal is to eventually expand Mayvenn into an online platform that sells not only hair extensions but other hair care products as well.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/technology/entrepreneur-gain-3-million-venture-capital-selling-hair/feed/3Kelly Rowland on Baby Weight Loss and 5 Affordable Foods that Burn Fathttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/kelly-rowland-weight-loss-plus/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/kelly-rowland-weight-loss-plus/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 17:33:59 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419501Just four months ago, Kelly Rowland gave birth to her bundle of baby boy joy. Her son Titan is officially here, and Rowland’s baby weight seems to have zapped away. The quick weight loss sparked much conversation on social media, as fans expressed how fabulous and in shape the “Street Life” singer looks.

Rowland finally revealed her weight drop secret to Extra, crediting her longtime trainer Jeanette Jenkins and SoulCycle instructor Angela Davis. “Jeanette Jenkins is the secret, SoulCycle is the secret, Angela Davis… when I go in there and it’s the wee hours of the morning she is a great secret, so motivational. Jeanette comes in with so much energy and this huge smile on her face and you can’t help but to get excited about working out,” she says.

The new wife, to husband Tim Witherspoon, and mother also adds that eating patterns largely weigh in on health and wellness. “The 80/20 rule is all the way real,” she adds. “Eighty percent of the time you eat those foods giving you nourishment, you’re eating clean. And twenty percent of the time, have guacamole, a ton of it like I do, and a margarita and maybe queso too.”

Although Rowland has access to top of the line weight loss supplements and procedures, she seems to have done things the old school way with exercise and diet. Paying a celebrity trainer like the working mom may not be in your budget, but you can exercise at your local parks or for a more reasonable rate at a neighborhood gym.

Eating healthy, which largely impacts your physical and mental fitness, can be just as affordable too. If you want to eat healthy foods on a budget, check out these reasonably priced eats that help burn fat, according to Livestrong.

Beans are a high source of protein. Top fat-burning beans are kidney beans, lima beans, navy beans and white beans.

Oatmeal ups your energy, and it cleans out fat hiding in your digestive system and the cholesterol clogging your arteries. Note that when buying your oatmeal, it’s more health beneficial to go with unflavored and unsweetened varieties. Sweeten it with natural sweeteners, like honey and berries.

Tuna is high in protein and contain omega-3 fatty acids, which boost your immune system and clean cholesterol out of your arteries.

Broccoli has few calories, no fat, lots of vitamins and has even been shown to fight cancer. It helps to burn fat by filling your body with nutrients, while its fiber rids the fat.

Non-fat yogurt is loaded with calcium and protein, both of which help the body metabolize fat. Eat low-fat or non-fat dairy products because the high-fat varieties have the opposite effect and promote weight gain.

Chicago Bulls College Prep is a Noble Network Charter School that opened in 2009. Its Chief External Affairs Officer Constance Brewer responded to the incident regarding Rose and her son saying that it is not up to staff members to make judgements based on whether a college is an HBCU, private, public or religious institution. She claims that out of the 572 African American seniors attending Noble schools, 40 percent of them have applied to at least one HBCU.

Students at Noble schools are encouraged to apply to a “match” school — schools that match their GPA and test scores; a “safety” school — one that the student almost has a guaranteed shot of getting in; and a “reach” school — a school that is just above the student’s stat.

In the case of Rose and her son, she says no HBCUs were listed in any of the categories for her son and she had a difficult time getting an official transcript for him when he tried to apply to HBCUs on his own.

After making arrangements for her son to attend Langston University in Oklahoma, her alma mater, he was then accepted to Morehouse College in Atlanta.

“I think it is a bad policy. The students should have the freedom to apply wherever they want to apply if the parents and students make a choice to attend a certain school,” Rose said.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/chicago-charter-school-reportedly-discouraging-students-apply-hbcu/feed/12Open Letter to ’60 Minutes’ on Increasing Its Coverage of Africanshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/news/open-letter-%e2%80%9960-minutes%e2%80%99-increasing-coverage-africans/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/open-letter-%e2%80%9960-minutes%e2%80%99-increasing-coverage-africans/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 16:11:22 +0000Cristie Leondishttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419502On Wednesday, March 25, more than 150 journalists and professors sent an open letter to CBS News’ 60 Minutes, expressing their thoughts on the network’s coverage of Africa. Organized by associate professor at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and former senior writer at the New York Times, Howard French, the letter states that there is a clear misrepresentation of the continent, and that people of African ancestry are basically invisible on the program. French’s background includes a post teaching English literature at the University of Ivory Coast; the professor also took a special interest in West Africa and in Central Africa, leading the university’s initiatives in dealing with the Ebola outbreak.

The letter was addressed to Executive Producer Jeff Fager and sent by e-mail. French said that 60 Minutes and Chief Foreign Correspondent Lara Logan interviewed only white foreigners who came to Liberia to help fight the spread of the deadly virus which killed more than 10,000 people. The letter also states, “In that broadcast, Africans were reduced to the role of silent victims. They constituted what might be called a scenery of misery: people whose thoughts, experiences and actions were treated as if totally without interest. Liberians were shown within easy speaking range of Logan, including some Liberians whom she spoke about, and yet not a single Liberian was quoted in any capacity.”

The goal was to urge CBS News to consider readjusting their coverage of Africa and to help convey the truth rather than stereotypical depictions.

“I would like to see more of celebration of our beauty and embracing our own self-worth, not by what’s on the screens as we scroll through, but the woman we appreciate when we look in the mirror. Because that woman is real, that woman is worthy, that woman has value!” says Hibbert.

In the midst of planning a “Beauty and the Business” empowerment conference, landing a cover on the May Beauty issue of “1966 magazine,” preparing for season 2 ofBehind The Glam, and launching her own firm “The Glam Agency, a premier multicultural talent management firm representing leading Makeup Artists, Hairstylist, Fashion Stylists and more Black Enterprise caught up with the busy trailblazer to learn a few beauty tips for women.

What’s most important to you as a make up artist?

It’s important for me as a Makeup Artist is to be an invaluable resources to my clients desire to look and feel her best. I must be at the top of my game because her image is relying on it – my expertise can make or break how she feels about herself and I take that very seriously.

What’s your must have beauty item?

The one beauty item I can’t live without is eyebrow pencil. Long ago in my high school years, I use to over-tweeze and shave my brows and unfortunately they never quite grew back as thick, so I rely on the brow pencil to fill in the areas that I need some “assistance”. The brows truly frame the face, so I always make sure they are on point.

Can you share some video tutorials on applying eye makeup? Sure, check out a few of my favorites:

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/celebrity-makeup-artist-empowering-beauty-tips-help-you-look-your-best/feed/0Jovian Zayne Talks Living on Purpose, Plus Partying with FLOTUShttp://www.blackenterprise.com/career/purpose-jovian-zayne/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/purpose-jovian-zayne/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 15:50:11 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419380Chances are that if you check in multiple times a day via Instagram to obsess over what “Electric Lady” Janelle Monáe is up to, how she styled her natural curls or what super fly getup she’s rocking, you’ve seen Jovian Zayne in a few of the artist’s pics. Zayne is as delightful as her name implies and she’s often with Monáe, assisting with the human capital development of her Wondaland label.

Helping Janelle Monáe and her Wondaland label team is a natural step for Ms. Zayne. Her God given capacity to lead others into utilizing their skills to fulfill their purpose is something she’s been doing since a child. Now, the same expertise she offers Monáe, and to young professionals, is accessible to us all. Zayne started her own firm, Jovian Zayne, LLC, to help people find their purpose and elevate in their professional lives. BlackEnterprise.com caught up with the busy lady to talk purpose. The read is sure to encourage and inspire.

Tell us about your business and what it offers.

Jovian Zayne, LLC is a firm designed to help people connect impact and passion to purpose. We offer one-on-one coaching experiences, public speaking engagements, and workshop/training facilitation. We serve individuals and organizations that are looking for expertise in general professional and career development, management coaching and diversity learning facilitation. Jovian Zayne, LLC is driven by the mantra “Live on Purpose,” and I deeply believe that understanding one’s purpose can incite not only freedom from unnecessary distractions, but also an understanding of how to prioritize one’s time and efforts in order to have a more meaningful impact in the world.

What inspired you to start professional coaching and helping others identify their purpose?

I’ve always had a strong desire to support others in being their best selves. Growing up I was always the friend coaching her friends (and sometimes even their parents) through their problems. This natural desire fueled my interest in professional development and organizational behavior which ultimately led to a degree in Psychology, subsequent trainings focused on coaching, and my long time career in human capital development.

My interest in leveraging my skills, coupled with my heart for inspiring others to be their best led to the creation of Jovian Zayne, LLC. I often tell my clients to reflect back to their moments of extreme joy, and conversely their moments of angst and unhappiness in the work place. Those moments often speak to what lies underneath our passions and desires for impact, directing us closer to our purpose. There’s no doubt that I feel most alive and connected to God when I’m coaching someone or delivering a keynote address to inspire positive action. This undeniable feeling of self-actualization has been a consistent reminder that I’m living on my purpose by helping others do the same.

A lot of people find themselves stuck. They know they have a purpose, but they’re experiencing trouble in figuring out what that purpose is. What do you think the first step is in living on purpose?

You can’t live purposely if you haven’t taken the time to assess how your passion meets your desired impact. I often ask my clients these four questions: “Who do you want to impact? How do you want to impact them? Who do you want to impact you? And what needs to be true in order for your impact to be real?”

When answered honestly, these questions will generate reflections that can ignite a series of significant changes in how we spend our time, who we spend it with, and in what manner. All of this connects to our ability to not only know our purpose, but to also prioritize it in our day to day actions. For instance, if I’m clear that my purpose is tied to helping young women of color achieve a better education, I operate with that centrally in mind. My volunteer experiences, the people I network with, and the career I choose will all be rooted in my purpose of helping educate young women of color. Having clarity about my purpose will allow me to avoid relationships that would detour me from my goal, or conversely engage in relationships that will promote progress.

Go to the next page to read about Jovian’s party experience with First Lady Obama.

(Image: Facebook)

In your experience, what do you find to be one of people’s most common mistakes as they try to figure out or pursue their calling?

So often we don’t want to do the work of understanding our unique purpose. We’d much rather assume the call of someone else. It’s a lot easier to ascribe to a popular archetype of success than to listen deeply to our spirit. Instead of doing the work of understanding how our passions connect to our impact and therefore inform our purpose, we haphazardly follow in the footsteps of others, pretending to live on purpose when we’re actually living by accident. We look to someone else’s purpose hoping it satiates our needs.

Many people are following a vision painted by an artist they’re not familiar with and are left with an abstract painting of a life that they can’t make meaning of because it was never connected to their purpose to begin with. We will do whatever’s necessary to keep up with our friends, or make major life decisions based on what society says we should be doing by “X” age. We don’t check our decision making against our purpose, but against what others are doing and therefore dangerously miss out what we’ve been sent here to do.

Everything is a journey, especially professional and purpose filled pursuits. In the moments when it’s hard and bumpy, how do you recommend that people stay inspired to keep going?

My ability to live on purpose is fueled by the edifying books I read, the messages I consume externally, my faith and the relationships I foster. My friends and family are an unending well of support. They not only cheer me on, but also share the necessary feedback I need to improve. They hold me accountable to my purpose. I couldn’t do it without them. I encourage everyone to periodically assess who is in your circle. Who is your cheerleader or critical friend? Do you have both, or are you surrounded with toxic relationships that serve only to destroy your progress and self-esteem?

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, which woman would you choose to do the following with? A day of shopping, a night out partying, and Sunday morning service.

Day of Shopping: Claire Underwood has slayed every scene of season three of House of Cards. I’d love to have Kemal Harris (Robin Wright’s stylist) guide me through the ultimate shopping spree. My current stylist Morgan Wider of Styled by Stats is currently helping me get my closet up to par with Robin.

Night of Partying: I’ve had the insane pleasure of celebrating with the First Lady, and honey…..no one does it better. I need one more night, FLOTUS, one more.

Sunday Morning: Worshiping with the women in my family is a deep source of joy. I’d love to go back 20 years and have my great grandmother, grandmothers and mother sitting with me in my grandfather’s church on a beautiful Easter morning.

According to CNN.com,more than half of middle class kids who enter college are failing to earn bachelor’s degrees within six to eight years. “Middle class” is defined as having a household income of $46,000–$99,000.

A college degree is widely considered a ticket to the middle class—the “gold standard,” says Anthony Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University Center of Education and the Workforce. That’s one reason why a lot of effort is going into getting lower income children into and through four-year colleges. But there is much less research being done on middle class students.

The U.S. Department of Education tracks college graduation rates in two ways, CNN.com says: It follows high school graduates after they leave school; and separately, it tracks all Americans who enter college in a particular year. Both methods revealed that less than half of middle class students were graduating from college.

Of those students who entered college in 2004, only 40% had earned bachelor’s degrees by 2012, according the Education Dept.’s first tracking method. The second found similar results: Of students from families with household incomes of between $60,000 and $92,000 who entered college in 2003, only 45% had earned their degree. About a third of the students cited financial concerns as a reason for dropping out.

Students from high-income households graduated at the rate of 63%.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/more-half-middle-class-students-not-graduating-college/feed/0Free Summer College Program for High School Juniorshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/education/free-summer-college-program-high-school-juniors/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/free-summer-college-program-high-school-juniors/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 14:02:21 +0000Robin White Goodehttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419032Calling all rising high school juniors interested in the accounting profession: Application deadlines are approaching (see deadlines below) for those who want to study on a college campus in New York State this summer for five days, free of charge.

The Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession program, or COAP, teaches students about college life in the context of pursuing a career in accounting.

The free program will be held in June and July and is targeting groups underrepresented in the accounting field. It is part of the New York State Society of CPA’s Foundation for Accounting Education.

According to a statement released by COAP, students will encounter a curriculum of business and personal development courses taught by top industry professionals. They will visit corporations, accounting firms, and government agencies. Housing, meals and field trips will be provided by each campus.

COAP participants are eligible to apply for a COAP college scholarship of $2,000 a year for up to five years. Students must study accounting at a school in New York State with the goal of becoming a certified public accountant.

In a one-on-one interview with award-winning journalist Susan L. Taylor, viewers learn how one of the most influential black women in journalism has transitioned from her long tenure as editor-in-chief of Essence magazine to now a mentoring maven who’s determined to positively impact the next generation through her National CARES Mentoring Movement.A recipient of the 2015 Women of Power Legacy Award, Taylor shares how her journalism career and philanthropic work has shaped her to be the power women she is today.

Then in our Power of the Purse segment, viewers learn about the “Women’s Wealth Imperative” and how they can work towards improving their financial fitness for not only themselves, but for their family and community as well. Next, in an all-new segment of Power Forward, Spelman College President Beverly Tatum, Ph.D. talks the power of education. A recipient of the 2015 Barbara Graves Legacy Award, Tatum opens up about her work in leading one of the nation’s top HBCUs and her plans post-retirement. Lastly, Women of Power TV takes a look back at 10 dynamic years of empowering, uplifting and inspiring women to take charge of both their personal and professional life.

Catch an all new episode of Women of Power every weekend, Saturdays via your local station (check your local listings), and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. EST on TV One.

Recently, Henson was confirmed as celebrity ambassador for the 2015 American Black Film Festival. Jussie Smollett, who portrays Henson’s son on Empire, shared his thoughts by posting on Instagram: “You deserve all of this so much.”

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/taraji-p-henson-to-host-saturday-night-live/feed/4Global Changemaker Talks Empowering Women Across Time Zoneshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/global-changemaker-talks-empowering-women-across-time-zones/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/global-changemaker-talks-empowering-women-across-time-zones/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 22:30:58 +0000Kandia Johnsonhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419243The word “empowerment” isn’t just a catch phrase for Marcia Dyson it’s her life’s work. As founder and CEO of theWomen’s Global Initiative, a for-profit organization that works to enhance the lives of women by increasing their wealth, education, and civil participation, she knows no boundaries when it comes to enhancing the lives of others around the globe.

Dyson has an impressive resume, which includes promoting cultural diplomacy and world-class events for 87 ethnic communities across the city of Chicago, acting as host to foreign dignitaries including presidents, queens and kings and prime ministers, and campaigning for President Barack Obama’s victory in 2008 and 2012. Additionally, she’s helped Egyptian women create a modern narrative for Muslim women in Cairo, Egypt. And, Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright selected her to be on the Women’s Global Summit Leadership Board. As an active member of the Middle East Peace Civic Forum and an annual participant at the Black Entertainment Television (BET)’s Leading Women Defined Summit, Black Enterprise caught up with Dyson to learn more about her journey.

When did you know you wanted to dedicate your life to social & political activism?

It started in 1980, when I became the first Chief of Staff for Reverend Jackson International Trade bureau. The International Trade bureau is focused bringing about equality within the business world for minority and women-owned businesses that have been systematically excluded from corporate America. The International Trade Bureau was a precursor for the Law Economic Forum, the Clinton Global Initiative and many other organizations we see today focused on economic development and international participation. After my work with the bureau, I began my Public Relations career for a few agencies, and then I worked as the Public Relations officer for the City of Chicago in 1990.

When did the shift take place from your career in public relations to activism on a national and international level? Was there a specific event that occurred?

When I traveled to Haiti, I consulted with President Clinton on the rebuilding of Haiti. Haitians themselves were being excluded from the rebuilding process. I sort of had an AHA moment or “heck no moment” when I saw Haiti being gentrified.

I recognized that unless we are internationally conscious as African Americans than the frontiers to which we want to grow would shrink up for us as well.

From those experiences I began to think about opportunities to create quality education, economic development and entrepreneurial opportunities, in a collective sense.

Describe your vision for the Women’s Global Initiative?

The Women Global Initiative came from working with women in non-profit and seeing so much talent out in the world. I wanted to create a large platform of resources for African American women in publishing, mentorship and beyond so that it gives women an opportunity to grow. The Women’s Global Initiative is not an organization, it’s an organism—meaning collectively we can take the lead and pursue larger programs or clients.

After traveling around the world connecting with and mentoring women, what is one common theme that we all face?

First, we can’t hold on to the classification that we have in America about the stigma of African American women. In the global economy we are women of the diaspora. Secondly, the lack of equal pay and violence of women is a common reoccurring theme around the world. As long as women are underpaid for their work as an entrepreneur or in service at the workplace, poverty will still exist; because ultimately its women who are maintaining the household and taking care of the children. It’s incumbent on corporations, community members and elected officials to do a better job at gender equality.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/global-changemaker-talks-empowering-women-across-time-zones/feed/1Top Podcasts for Business and Life Inspirationhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/top-podcasts-business-life-inspiration/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/top-podcasts-business-life-inspiration/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 21:30:35 +0000Kandia Johnsonhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418955If you love listening to stories about how people became successful, podcast are a great resource to learn actionable tips and advice on business and life. With its convenient ability to listen during your commute to and from work, while walking the dog or sitting at your desk, podcasts are not only informational but inspirational as well. Here are a few podcasts to add to your playlist.

From “How to Create a Video Course via a Live Webinar” to “How to Become a Familyprenuer,” the Learning With Leslie Podcast provides actionable advice for anyone looking to start and grow an online business with a blog.

Awarded the Best Of iTunes in 2013, EntrepreneurOnFire is the brainchild of host John Lee Dumas. The show delivers daily doses of inspiration and have featured tips and insights from some of today’s most successful entrepreneurs such as Seth Godin, Barbara Corcoran, Tim Ferriss, Gary Vaynerchuk and Guy Kawasaki.

Myleik Teele is the Founder & CEO of Curlbox, a monthly subscription service for curly hair products. She provides candid business and life advice on everything from time management and money to dating and therapy. Her podcast are typically under 20 minutes and jammed pack with actionable tips.

Michael Hyatt, former Chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, delivers a weekly podcast focused on character, leadership, and motivation, as it relates to career and business. Hyatt also provides complete transcripts of each episode.

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, share your favorite podcasts in the comments section below.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/top-podcasts-business-life-inspiration/feed/1Entrepreneurs Summit All-Stars: Natasha Eubanks Takes Blogging to a Millionaire Levelhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/event/entrepreneurs-summit-natasha-eubanks-took-blogging-millionaire-level/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/entrepreneurs-summit-natasha-eubanks-took-blogging-millionaire-level/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 21:13:19 +0000Raqiyah Mayshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419319As Black Enterprise prepares for its 20th Annual Entrepreneurs Summit, May 13-15 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, we honor those who’ve paved the way for others to follow in small business success.

Turning her blog into a celebrity site back in 2005, she now boasts more than 600,000 page views daily, more than 15 million monthly, and $1 million plus in annual income. After leaving law school and blogging for fun, her first $10,000 in ad sale profit opened her mind to the possibilities. “Start it without intentions of becoming so big. Be in it for the long haul,” says Eubanks when giving advice to those who want to follow in her footsteps. “The making-money aspect of it is a whole other beast. I work 24 hours and I sleep with my laptop. If you build it, they will come. Have a passion for it, and be willing to do it for free.”

These days, as her site’s name rings bells in households who love to dish on the latest celebrity news, Eubanks boasts ads from major brands including Head & Shoulders and Suave, along with companies like the Ad Council. “I’m working toward become a household name. I’m working with brand strategists to correctly position myself to do that. I want to do it correctly, whether it’s TV, doing some different things in radio,” she says. “I just want to expand my brand.”

The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide is set for May 13-16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/entrepreneurs-summit-natasha-eubanks-took-blogging-millionaire-level/feed/3$10,000 Elevator Pitch Competition: Are You a Winning Entrepreneur?http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/be-searches-next-10000-elevator-pitch-competition-winner/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/be-searches-next-10000-elevator-pitch-competition-winner/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 21:00:34 +0000Raqiyah Mayshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=402904Many have watched Shark Tank, where contestants pitch products and businesses in hopes of garnering big bucks. But more need to know about Black Enterprise’s 2015 Elevator Pitch Competitionsearching for the best 60 second pitch that’ll win $10,000 at BE’s 2015 Entrepreneur’s Summit. “The Elevator Pitch Competition was the first time I ever pitched my business for financing,” says Gwen Jimmere, founder and CEO of Naturalicious, and winner of 2014’s Elevator Pitch Competition. “What I have gained in terms of relationships, mentorship and financing just by participating in and winning the Elevator Pitch Competition has been the single most beneficial thing I have done for my business. And it would never have happened if I just rested on my laurels.”

Sending your 2-3 minute video pitch might make you like Jimmere. Pitches should be uploaded to YouTube explaining the business focus, how money is made, products or services it offers, and how winning the elevator competition can be used as a bolstering opportunity. Ten semi-finalists will be chosen and offered free admission for two to the 2015 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit to make a 60-second pitch to win $10,000. “Having been a part of the Elevator Pitch Competition was phenomenal, of course, because I won. But even more than winning the $10,000, just being a finalist in the competition provided me a platform to pitch my business to every person in the room,” says Jimmere. “There are only so many people you can meet in a given few days, but by being in the competition, all eyes were on me and what I had to say about my business. Because of this, I had some people in the audience approach me about investing, others actually became customers and purchased Naturalicious hair care products on-site, and even post-event I have made some really amazing friends who just happen to be millionaire business people who I am blessed to learn from. I cannot recommend the BE’s Entrepreneur’s Conference enough.”

The 2015 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide, May 13-16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. Be sure to enter our Elevator Pitch Competition to qualify for the $10,000 grand prize. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/be-searches-next-10000-elevator-pitch-competition-winner/feed/1‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ Archived in Library of Congresshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/miseducationlauryn-hill-library-congress/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/miseducationlauryn-hill-library-congress/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 21:00:23 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419200At the 41st Annual Grammy Awards in 1999, Lauryn Hill made history as the first female artist to win five of the golden trophies in one night. Hill, rocking her gorgeous locs, was nominated ten times for her ’98 album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and took home major awards, like Album of the Year and Best New Artist. The musician and actress had proven her talent to be undeniable and a rare specialty while singing and spitting in hip-hop group the Fugees, but still, no one could have predicted the magnitude of sheer magic she would bring via her solo album.

“Lauryn Hill’s debut solo record, following the breakup of the Fugees, is a work of honesty in which Hill explores her feelings on topics that included the deep wonder of pregnancy, the pitfalls of modern relationships and the experience of the sacred. The album effortlessly fuses soul, rhythm and blues, rap and reggae. Hill’s vocal range, smooth clear highs and vibrato are stunning. The rapping is rhythmically compelling while always retaining, and frequently exploiting, the natural cadences of conversational speech. Standout guest performances include Carlos Santana’s soulful acoustic guitar solo on ‘Zion,’ and duets with Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo on ‘I Used to Love Him’ and ‘Nothing Even Matters,’ respectively.”

Hill’s debut album is being archived along with 24 other sound recordings, each of which the Library of Congress deems to hold cultural, artistic and/or historical significance to American society and the nation’s audio legacy.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/miseducationlauryn-hill-library-congress/feed/1CFL Appoints First Black Commissionerhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/candadian-football-league-cfl-first-black-commissioner-jeffrey-orridge/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/candadian-football-league-cfl-first-black-commissioner-jeffrey-orridge/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 20:48:10 +0000Janell Hazelwoodhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419282Jeffrey Orridge has been appointed commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL), making the Harvard Law School graduate its first black commissioner. The former longtime executive with CBC Sports succeeds Mark Cohon, who stepped down.

“Jeffrey will be a tremendous leader for our league at an exciting time for its future,” Jim Lawson, chairman of the CFL’s Board of Governors, said in a statement. “He has every skill set our board was looking for and he clearly understands what our league means to this country and what our fans and partners mean to this league.”

Orridge will assume his new duties as commissioner on April 29th.

“I’m fully cognizant of that and fully embrace it,” said Orridge on becoming the first black commissioner among North America’s top five professional sports organizations. “I’m very proud of where I’ve come from, my background, my heritage… It’s a remarkable thing that we’ve come this far but it’s really been on the shoulders of everybody else who’s come before me. I don’t think of myself as a black sports executive, I don’t consider myself the black commissioner. I consider myself the 13th commissioner of the CFL with an obligation and responsibility to carry on and build on my 12 predecessors and all their work.”

Pro golf icon Tiger Woods is using his influence and money to provide opportunities for the next generation of black professionals interested in golf.

According to HBCU Digest, Woods is giving $10,000 to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to establish a scholarship fund in support of the school’s golf management degree program. With UMES having the nation’s only historically black program of this kind, Woods donation will provide further educational and professional development resources in order to prepare graduates for executive careers in hospitality, business and leadership within an industry that generates more than $68 billion annually. In addition to providing more resources for UMES golf professionals, Woods donation was created in honor of Charles Sifford, who became the first African American to compete on the PGA Tour in 1961.

“The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is honored to accept this generous gift from Tiger Woods to support our professional golf management program and to partner with us in acknowledging Dr. Sifford’s role as a sports pioneer,” said UMES President Juliette B. Bell.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/tiger-woods-creates-golf-management-scholarship-umes/feed/1MIT Africa Investment Forum to Host Business Leaders and Expertshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/career/mit-africa-investment-forum-host-business-leaders-experts/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/mit-africa-investment-forum-host-business-leaders-experts/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 19:12:44 +0000Janell Hazelwoodhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=419015On April 3, entrepreneurs and African professionals will gather for the second installation of MIT Africa Investment Forum, happening in conjunction with the 5th Annual MIT Africa Innovate Conference. The forum will be held from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Mass.

The event will feature showcases by entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations working on projects in areas of youth empowerment, entrepreneurship training and education.

Funke Michaels, MIT Sloan Fellow and Edward Mason Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School of Government, will lead the panel, along with Farai Gundan, Forbes Africa writer and tech entrepreneur. The keynote address will be delivered by Vuyo Dunjwa, Executive Chairman of the Board at the Sub-Saharan Africa Chamber of Commerce. Panelists include Nduka Otiono, professor of African Studies, Carleton University Canada; Dr. Renee Dankerlin, President and CEO, Innovation-Clean Energy Economy Pathways (ICEP) Inc; Loukman Lamany, Business Development Analyst National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC); Phyllis Johnson, Edward Mason Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School of Government; Obiora Atuokwu, Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at Globalaccelerex; Solome Lemma, founder and executive director at Africans in the Diaspora; Kelley Jibrell, Africa 2.0 co-Chair, Washington, D.C.

“We all know that there are big ideas coming out of Africa and developed by Africans. With this forum, our goal is to create a concrete platform where we can showcase, support, and uplift the everyday people who are behind these big ideas,” organizers said in a statement. “We want to rally the investment community in the Diaspora and in Africa to support these ideas, and help realize these dreams and aspirations for a better continent. That task is borne by this generation of entrepreneurs and change-makers. We are the solution that Africa needs.”

Are you 8 to 12 years old, or do you know someone who is? OneUnited Bank is sponsoring its fifth annual essay contest to promote financial competence in urban young people. To be eligible to enter the contest, children must be 8 to 12 years old and read the book I Got Bank! or a similar financial book of their choice, and write a 250-word essay about how they plan to apply what they’ve read to their lives. The deadline for submissions is June 15, 2015. OneUnited will choose three winners, each of whom will be awarded a $1,000 OneUnited Bank savings account by August 15, 2015.

Teri Williams, president of OneUnited Bank, is the author of the children’s book I Got Bank! She wrote it out of a concern that there were so few books addressing finance that targeted urban youth. “I am very excited that there is more focus on financial literacy today than five years ago when we launched our essay contest,” Williams said in a statement. “Many organizations—including other banks—offer financial literacy workshops for adults and kids.” OneUnited also offers summer financial workshops for adults.

Last year’s essay winners hailed from both coasts: Amaya Horace of Bowie, Maryland, age 12; Chase Abner, of Los Angeles, age 12; and Damoni Swain of Dorchester, Massachusetts, age 10. The students wrote about the importance of saving money and starting a business, according to OneUnited.

OneUnited enjoys the No. 2 spot on the BE Banks list and has $616 million in assets. It is based in Boston.

For more information about OneUnited or the essay contest, go to www.oneunited.com/book.

Reports surrounding award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson’s decision to enroll her son in Howard University after being racially profiled at the University of Southern California has sparked a mixed of reactions from fans, media outlets and even Al Sharpton’s National Action Network who called for an investigation of the school’s campus police department. Now, an official from USC is taking it upon himself to respond to the claims and look into the case further.

John Thomas, who works in USC’s Department of Public Safety, spent 21 years as a member of the Los Angeles Police Department before joining the school’s staff. After hearing the news of Henson’s son being racially profiled on USC campus, Thomas released the following statement in regards to the school investigating the matter:

I was deeply disturbed to read news reports about a prospective student who felt profiled on or near campus because of his race. We encourage reporting of allegations of bias and I hope for the opportunity to have a conversation with the young man and his mother.

I would like to look into this matter further and better understand who was involved and what took place. As someone who personally experienced racial profiling as a teenager, I have a stake in learning more about this incident and doing all I can to reach a just resolution.

It is not clear to me which police departments were involved. Any allegation of bias or unequal treatment by university officers would trigger an investigation that I would supervise along with the university’s Office of Equity and Diversity. It is my expectation and that of the university that our department uphold the highest standards of constitutional policing, affording equal rights and respect to all persons.

Henson, who is a graduate of Howard University herself, told Uptown magazine, “I’m not paying $50K so I can’t sleep at night wondering is this the night my son is getting racially profiled on campus.” While there’s no word on how soon Henson will enroll her 20-year-old son into school at Howard, she did issue the below statement on Twitter in response to the mixed reactions she’s received about her decision.

I really don’t care what ppl think about what I do with MY LIFE AND ALL INVOLVED WITH ME!!!!! Give it a rest. ✌️

With the right mix of encouragement, education, hands-on experience, and open dialogue about career opportunities, young girls and women can become more in prevalent in STEM fields. Of course it helps to know about the programs that are on a mission to show girls what they can offer the world. Check out the list of STEM organizations below and follow them on Facebook and Twitter to join the movement.

The National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) is a group of organizations from around the country that encourage girls to explore fields, typically dominated by males. To effectively reach and serve underrepresented girls in STEM, the project uses a variety of methods and an extensive network of organizations and individuals, to deliver high-quality research-based professional development programs. Additionally, many resources such as mini-grants, newsletters and webinars are offered.

To help women progress in STEM fields, the Association for Women in Science, or AWIS, is a professional organization for women working in STEM careers. From mentoring and coaching services to advice on work-life balance issues and educational videos, the association offers several resources for women in STEM.

Change the Equation (CTE) works to increase STEM literacy by collaborating with schools, communities, and states to adopt and implement excellent STEM policies and programs. The organization recently kicked off a nationwide effort to reach 1.5 million K-12 kids through high-quality STEM programs and schools in 2015. The CTE website offers a wealth of information such as the STEMworks database, a go-to resource for finding and investing in the nation’s leading STEM education programs, and STEMtistics which provides research and information to help you make the case for STEM learning and literacy.

The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) is a nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in in technology and computing. The organization includes government organizations; universities and companies who participate in delivering talent development initiatives, outreach programs, mentoring and support programs. The organization also provides information and resources in Spanish.

Facebook is heating up the social media competition with a bevy of new updates. At the F8 Facebook Developers Conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the social platform’s executives revealed what users and techies could look forward to from the network in the near future.

One of the updates will allow Facebookers to track their online shopping and communicate with the retailers. When purchasers buy something online, they can opt for updates via Messenger and converse with the seller. “With Businesses on Messenger, people can have rich and personal conversations with businesses,” according to the Facebook blog. “For example, after purchasing something from a website, people can choose to receive updates in Messenger and continue their conversation with the business in the app.”

Instead of multiple emails updating customers with the details of their orders, Messenger will communicate all information and give customers the option to adjust their order, ask questions and more, simply by responding to the business just as one would in a text exchange with friends.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming feature? Would you track your online shopping via Facebook, or would you rather keep things the old fashioned way? Tell us below, or weigh in on Twitter, @BlackEnterprise, using the hashtag #SoundOff.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/consumer-affairs/track-online-shopping-facebook/feed/0Brandy Makes Broadway Debut in ‘Chicago’http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/brandy-broadway-chicago/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/brandy-broadway-chicago/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 14:01:03 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418977If we had to sum up Brandy’s career using one of her album titles, we’d go with Never Say Never. The Grammy-winning R&B icon has proven time and time again that her talents are endless and there’s absolutely nothing that she can’t do. Broadway has officially announced that Brandy is starring in their classic production of Chicago. The “Have You Ever” singer is taking on the lead role as Roxie Hart.

Chicago is Broadway’s longest running American musical with a slew of accolades, including six Tony awards and one Grammy. Famous songs from the musical are “All that Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle.” Brandy’s character Roxie is a chorus girl, guilty of scandal and murder, in the 1920s-set play. Robin Givens and Michelle Williams are the only two other black women who have taken on the role.

Brandy is set to join the cast April 28th through June 21st at New York’s Ambassador Theater.

Although this is Brandy’s Broadway debut, acting and singing is a familiar territory for the all-star talent. Hand selected by the great Whitney Houston, Brandy made history as the first Disney TV princess in the movie-musical Cinderella. Prior to that, the beauty known for her braided styles in the 90s starred in TV sitcoms Thea and Moesha. Brandy has sold over 40 million albums worldwide, with mega hits like “The Boy is Mine” and “Full Moon.”

Are you going to see Brandy in her Broadway debut? Let us know below, or on Twitter, @BlackEnterprise, using the hash tag #SoundOff.

In a letter posted Wednesday from Spelman College’s board of trustees, the all-girls HBCU has named former New York University dean, Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., as a finalist to be its next president.

Campbell is dean emerita of the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU and has an extensive career background in education, public service and the arts. She was appointed dean of the Tisch School in 1991 and retired from her position in August 2014. Prior to spending more than two decades at NYU, Campbell served as executive director of the Studio Museum in Harlem and was appointed by Mayor Ed Koch to be New York City’s cultural affairs commissioner. In 2009, President Barack Obama made her vice chairwoman of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and sits on the boards of The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and The Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival.

Campbell earned a bachelor’s in English literature from Swarthmore College, a master’s in art history from Syracuse University and a Ph.D. in humanities from Syracuse as well. She will be on Spelman’s campus Thursday to meet with faculty, students and alumnae, beginning with a town hall forum at 10 a.m. If approved for the position, she would replace Beverly Tatum , Ph.D., who will retire June 30 after serving more than a decade as president of the HBCU.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/former-nyu-dean-running-become-spelman-president/feed/4Lead or Lose Series Helps Bridge Gap Between Leadership and Behavior Healthcare Professionalshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/lead-lose-series-helps-bridge-gap-between-leadership-behavior-healthcare-professionals/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/lead-lose-series-helps-bridge-gap-between-leadership-behavior-healthcare-professionals/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 13:30:37 +0000Chanel Martinhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418852Rod Brown co-founded software company OnceLogix L.L.C in 2005 with partners Trinity Manning and Ty McLaughlin. As a result, they developedSharenote.com , a fast-growing, Web-based tool used by behavioral healthcare companies in the Southeast. What started out as a tool to help Behavioral Healthcare Clinicians manages notes about their patients is becoming a sought-after Practice Management tool for behavioral healthcare firms. Brown travels the country discussing entrepreneurship, investment strategies and developing smart, web-based software solutions to help businesses become more efficient, more productive and profitable. He received a bachelor’s degree from Winston Salem State University and is a certified leadership trainer through the John Maxwell Program.

On Cofounding OnceLogix:

One of Brown’s cofounders was building a website for a woman that owned a group home. The woman complained about the vast amount of paperwork, documentation, and billing claims she had to complete. Brown’s cofounder inquired about what else she needed in addition to the website; those specifics became the beginning of sharenote.com. Brown’s Cofounder enlisted his help to run the business side of things. They formed the company OnceLogix and began marketing sharenote.com to behavior healthcare agencies as an electronic healthcare record system. OneceLogix is here to stay and continues to be the leading African-American owned company in the electronic health record space. “You can’t find another minority owned and operated company of our size with our footprint in this space. For three African-American guys to get together and stay together for almost 10 years is pretty remarkable,” Brown says. Sharenote.com currently operates in 9 states and services 65 agencies.

While working in the behavior healthcare space, Brown identified specific pain points and issues his clients experienced in their day-to-day operations. He noticed that most people in the healthcare field typically lacked leadership and entrepreneurship skills. Brown decided to provide solutions to help train individuals in the healthcare field to become effective leaders and managers, and the Lead or Lose series was born. “These same individuals are thrown into leadership positions all the time and they end up owning businesses and healthcare organizations. But struggle with running those organizations”. “Kind of like the lady that can fry chicken, but can’t run a restaurant” Brown explained.

“Lead or Lose Is a mantra, the whole idea is if you are not leading, then you are losing. We believe that everything rises and falls with leadership. We are arming people, specifically entrepreneurs and people in the healthcare industry, to help them become better leaders, “ says Brown. “The people that use our software are professionals; they are psychiatrists, counselors, social workers etc. Those are the individuals that use our system and manage their day-to-day work and practices. Those folks are clinically trained, but if you ask them they are going to tell you that they have never had a single business class. Yet they own agencies that provide mental health or substance abuse services. They have to be concerned about hiring the right people, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. They end up staffing people who are knowledgeable in those areas, but then they have to be able to lead them to be able to grow their agencies. We continued to see people struggle in that area because they haven’t been trained,” says Brown. His ultimate goal is to equip his clients with the tools they need to effectively manage and lead day-to-day operations so that their businesses are successful.

The feedback that they get is very positive. Inside of the workshops participants complete real exercises that push them think and create actionable items that can take used immediately in their workplaces. “We do this exercise where we talk about visionaries. A visionary is someone that can see things into the future. I ask them specifically to tell me something about your industry that you believe is going to happen and we have them present what they think is going to happen and why. They have to come up with things that they have to do right now to prepare and the steps they need to take to put those things in action. Most of the time they are right on their predictions, and they probably never would have taken those action steps had they not attended a lead or lose workshop, “ Brown explained.

Author Chanel Martin (@ChanelEbone) is a Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer of Techturized (@Techturized) Inc. She is also a wife, new mom, and lover of all things hair. She works full time at Techturized. Techturized’s first product, Myavana (@Myavanahair) provides hair care personalization for female consumers around the world.

I recently had the distinct honor to serve as a judge for Student Dream’s Blhackathon, the first ever Black History Month hackathon in which participants were invited to celebrate the history of black innovation while achieving some milestones of their own. The intent of Student Dream, a nonprofit that trains college students of color to launch startups, was to encourage the creation of ventures that would extend beyond that celebratory month and challenge contestants – roughly between the ages of 19 and 25 – to devise lasting solutions to persistent problems facing the African American community. My fellow judges and I discovered a series of powerful, tech-driven concepts by an eclectic, enterprising group of innovators.

Nena Ugwuomo, CEO of Student Dream, founded the non-profit accelerator in March 2014 driven “to see an incredibly diverse generation of leaders educated and equipped to solve problems, reach their creative potential and contribute to the vibrancy of local, national and global economies through innovation.” This Howard University grad has used the organization to enable more than 200 students to transform ideas into companies and raise $60,000 in start-up capital.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

The event was held at East Harlem-based TEEM Coworking – one of the event sponsors – which makes collaborative, shared space available for a unique mix of creative, tech-oriented freelancers and entrepreneurs. Founded by Sharlene Kahn, it offered the perfect venue.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

Ugwuomo shares the ground rules of the blhackathon with the eight teams that spent 24 hours developing apps, websites and other vehicles to address education, health, broken homes and economic development, among other critical issues confronting Black America. All teams, however, were given a mandate to solve these problems by creating sustainable, for-profit business models.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

As part of the process, team members reviewed their pitches – a critical component for winning the grand prize: a $600 gift certificate for General Assembly Front Row, immersive online tutorials from top practitioners on web development, product management and user experience design.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

The eight teams clocked long hours in developing a range of concepts, ranging from websites to help individuals engage in healthier eating as a means of eradicating diabetes and other ailments to apps designed to narrow the achievement and financing gaps in education.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

Throughout the day, team members shared ideas, structured business plans and tested the viability and accessibility of their tech platforms…

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

…And as you can see some of the participants had a hard time making it through the night.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

I was a member of a panel of leading tech and business experts that included Clayton Banks, founder and Co-executive producer of Silicon Harlem, a for-profit organization with the mission transforming the Uptown New York community into an innovation and technology Hub (standing); Felicia O’Garro, a web developer and principal of Code Crew, a professional network for engineers, designers and entrepreneurs; Arthur Ward Jr., a programmer and game creator with Babycastles; and Errol King, student experience manager at Google. We had the fun job of serving as grand inquisitors of each team’s presentation based on their ability to meet the following criteria: the weight of the problem, strength of the solution, product demo, business model and pitch. I loved every minute of it.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

The first team to pitch was Black Magic which created a new format for children to learn about black historical figures through digital distribution. The group believed that they could increase engagement with black history multi-fold with the use of technology.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

Up next was team Munch, which seeks to reduce obesity and diabetes in the African American community by using a social recipe app that enables individuals to take popular Southern cuisine and create such dishes as healthier alternatives.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

Harlem Block Produce seeks to create an online co-op that connects health-conscious consumers in Harlem with local produce growers. By offering more vegetables, the team believes that they can combat diseases that afflict residents of low-income communities.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

Remember2Read will promote early literacy among young black boys through an app that encourages parents to engage in family reading schedules. The service would also be aligned with the reading Holiday project’s Barbershop Books program. By doing so, its designers believe they can make a dent in an education crisis: Studies show 80% of black boys in 4th grade are not proficient in reading at that level.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

Next: Team Grantour made its pitch by maintaining that it could drive greater economic development in black communities through an app that will help businesses and organizations identify the rights grants and assist them with the application process.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

Roughly 26% of all students who applied to college worked with an independent college counselor and are forced to pay steep fees. Solution: Cheap Counselor would create an online advisory matching service that connects college counselors with students in need. Moreover, the service would make micro-scholarships available based on academic achievement in high school.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

Too many minority students fail to complete college because they don’t have the funding for a semester or two. Team Saving Circle has developed app that enable students to tap the collective financial resources of friends and family members to access funds for such items as tuition, books and lab fees through a crowdfunding model.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

Google’s King, one of the judges, commends team members on their outstanding work. He also share his impressions of the last team Ohana, which created an app to match children from single-parent households with mentors who could serve as either a father or mother figure depending on the circumstance.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

The judges give their assessment of the product demos, business models and presentations of all eight teams which demonstrated considerable analysis and creativity in addressing major societal problems by applying viable tech solutions.

(Image: Erick Urgiles)

Before unveiling the winner, I encourage all the teams to enter the Elevator Pitch Competition that will be held at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit in Atlanta from May 13 -16. I tell them that they should take a shot at gaining $10,000 in funding and free consultation from a business expert to help their venture take flight.

Student Dream’s Ugwuomo — a speaker at the BE Smart session on the impact of tech and mentorship at the Black Enterprise women of Power Summit — encourages all participants who sought to “make history in 24 hours” to pursue their projects as a means of uplifting communities of color. I, along with my fellow judges and hackathon participants, couldn’t have agreed more with her charge for tech-driven 21st Century activism.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/be-smart-student-dream-%e2%80%98blhackathon-applies-innovation-solve-black-america%e2%80%99s-challenges/feed/0Evelyn Lozada Lands Reality Show on Oprah’s OWNhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/news/evelyn-lozada-lands-reality-show-oprah%e2%80%99s-own/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/evelyn-lozada-lands-reality-show-oprah%e2%80%99s-own/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 12:55:51 +0000Cristie Leondishttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418964According to recent reports, Evelyn Lozada from Basketball Wives has landed a new reality show on Oprah’s OWN network. The show will focus on her role as a mother and on her children and her thrilling relationship with fiancé L.A. Dodger’s player Carl Crawford.

Lozada took a long break from reality television after being physically attacked by her ex-husband, Chad Ochocinco. After years of displaying on television a tumultuous relationship for all of America to see, Ochocinco, who also goes by the last name Johnson, was finally arrested for head-butting Lozada. The VH1 show was canceled immediately afterward.

Lozada’s new show is tentatively titled Evelyn, and she is set to be executive producer. The star posted a photo on Instagram this morning, captioning it, “I finally have a new home. #EveOnOwn.” She also dropped several hints that the show will begin airing in July.

What do you think of what you’ve heard so far about the show? Will you tune in? Share your comments with us below.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/evelyn-lozada-lands-reality-show-oprah%e2%80%99s-own/feed/3Interview and Get the Job With These Winning Tipshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/career/interview-get-job-with-these-winning-tips/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/interview-get-job-with-these-winning-tips/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 12:00:53 +0000Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq.http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418543Are you in the process of interviewing for an important new job—one that you feel is just the right fit? You’re obviously in the running if your resume passed muster. But here’s where the rubber meets the road: Can you score critical points in a face-to-face interview? Can you showcase your knowledge, skills and experience with charisma?

If you’re not completely sure, consider the following points that can help you interview well and get the job:

1. Research and prepare.

Are you well-versed in the employer and industry that you are interviewing for? If not, take the time to do some nuanced research. These details are likely to come up during the interview and you can only help your position by being conversant, if not fluent, in both topics. Also, if this is an industry that may consider throwing out a fact pattern to test your knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), think about how to sharpen your saw on the core KSAs that may differentiate you from the next candidate.

2. Groom well.

Physical appearance is a decisive aspect of every interview, whether we are willing to admit it or not. Grooming choices tell a story about who we are and how we will show up in the new space. Every potential employer looks for cues that will help them to determine how well you will fit in—even before you ever open your mouth. What do your grooming choices to say about you? Are they appropriate? Leave nothing to chance.
3. Arrive early.

Nothing says “Don’t hire me” like arriving late for an interview. Avoid this result by overestimating the time you need for grooming, miscellaneous preparation, and travel. Depending on mode and distance of travel, you should make arrangements to arrive at least 15-20 minutes in advance, no later. This will help you catch your breath and get into place without being frazzled.

4. Toot it.

The interview is not the time to become an introvert. To the contrary—it’s an opportunity to shine and demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the position. That doesn’t mean that you get to tout your laundry list of wins indiscriminately, though. Having sensory acuity and knowing when and how to highlight your bright spots is critical. If you’re not sure, hire a coach or practice with a good friend who can effectively challenge you and help you to come across with finesse.

5. Be yourself.

Even though the interviewer has probably never met you before, he or she can likely tell if you are putting on airs. Just be yourself. Act and speak as you normally would in any other professional setting. Cracking off-color jokes (because you’re nervous!) or being stiff in your body language or remarks will make the interviewer feel as though you are not being authentic. Remember, they are interested in getting to know you—not an alter ego.

6. Don’t drop the ball.

The interview is not really over after the last question and handshake have occurred. Not really. Following up is the best way to seal the deal and demonstrate your interest and professionalism. Stay top of mind by doing so within 24 hours. You’d be surprised at how many people forget this detail. It’s yet another opportunity to create a positive impression and, if you’ve done well in the other areas, seal the deal.

As Black Enterprise prepares for this year’s Entrepreneurs Summit, taking place at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta May 13-15, entries are open for the Small Business Awards an honor dedicated to those entrepreneurs who’ve shown success and ingenuity in making their dreams comes true. Spanning demographics, one young person who marks the future of entrepreneurship walked away as last year’s Teenpreneur of the Year: Moziah Bridges.

The then 12 year old, who built a $150,000 bow-tie business at 9, established Mo’s Bows in 2011. Making distinctive neckwear hand-sewn using vintage patterns with an African flair, Bridges attributes his success to his grandmother who taught him to sew and create his own style. “I’m very thankful that she is not only in my life,” says the young business owner, “but that she pushes me to be the best.”

On his Website, you’ll find blogs, a spring collection, youth bow ties and where to purchase his products. With a five-member staff, ongoing press and even an appearance on Shark Tank and in Vogue, Bridges still reaches back by donating to organizations, giving youth the opportunity to attend summer camp and even providing bow-tying tutorials online.

With his eyes on college and beginning a major fashion line by 20, the next design mogul is well on his way to long-term success. “Designing a colorful bow tie is just part of my vision,” says the young genius, “to make the world a fun and happier place.”

The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide is set for May 13-16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/entrepreneurs-summit-moziah-bridges/feed/0Beauty Expert on Making the Leap From Corporate America to Entrepreneurshiphttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/beauty-expert-making-leap-from-corporate-america-entrepreneurship/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/beauty-expert-making-leap-from-corporate-america-entrepreneurship/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 21:29:14 +0000Kandia Johnsonhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418869For 14 years, Melissa Hibbert was a marketing and branding powerhouse. She started her career in brand licensing for the prestigious Beanstalk Group. She later moved on to product marketing, working for one of the greatest athletes in the world, Michael Jordan. Then she worked her way into marketing stints at BET Networks and the Los Angeles Times. But in the midst of climbing the corporate ladder to success something just didn’t feel right.

“My AHA moment was more of a “shift.” At first I thought I wasn’t being challenged enough at work. I was seeking more and more creativity, but couldn’t put my finger on why I was so un-happy. I was miserable, stressed, often crying after work. I knew in my heart, I was not living in my truth.”

I took somewhat of a sabbatical and retreated to my parents’ home in Portland, OR where I figured it all out and got some clarity and support from the people I love. I put together a strategy and a one-year plan on how I was going to make the transition. Before I left, my parents handed me an envelope with $5,000 in cash and told me to follow my heart.

I went back to Los Angeles and immediately put things in motion. I made sacrifices like downsizing from my luxury convertible car to a more affordable vehicle. I stopped shopping and eating out at my favorite restaurants. I took some Makeup courses and master classes to brush up on my skills and invested in a professional makeup kit with the best products. I organized my first photo-shoot to establish my portfolio, developed my own website with those images, ordered business cards and launched my business in Beauty.

I studied, researched and evaluated the industry, from big brands to independent brands and everything in between. I attended trade shows and expo’s to familiarize myself with the various manufacturers and once I found the one I loved, I moved quickly to plan my product offering.

What is the inspiration behind your SHEEQ cosmetics?

My inspiration for behind SHEEQ Cosmetics stemmed from the idea that if I am going to be in the beauty business, I want to own as many areas in beauty as possible, including a makeup line. It is a part of the bigger plan for what I call my “beauty empire”. SHEEQ, which stands for “she’s exquisite”, is an aspirational brand for a discerning woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid express herself with bold colors and makeup choices.

How did you fund SHEEQ cosmetics?

I funded the company by cashing out some funds from my 401K, as well as an angel investor. I also received investments from my parents Rupert & Deloris and amazing brother Rupert Dallas Jr.

How did your online TV show “Behind the Glam” come about?”

I’m always looking to watch shows that speak to me and inspire me creatively as well as professionally. As a Makeup Artist in the industry, I noticed there are so many amazing professionals in business who are at the top of their game and when I spend time with them on set or otherwise, I am often fascinated by their story and journey in the industry. So the thought came to me, that if I am curious and inspired, I know others are too. We all have story, and if given the platform or opportunity, most are willing to share their story. That’s what gave birth to Behind The Glam, a show that profiles the business savvy, soul and spirit of some of the most creative and talented professionals in Beauty and Fashion.

Can you tell us about a day in the life of producing your show?

A day in the life of planning and shooting the show is quite amazing, challenging, hectic and fun. It really requires a ton of hard work. We have an amazing production team with One Fusion Films, headed by master Director of Photography, Reggie Brumfield. As for me, I am very hands-on in the entire production – booking the talent around their busy schedule is no easy feat. In addition, I secure all the venues and put together the programming.

On the day of filming, I am very hands-on, I help set-up equipment, I prep talent, most times I do makeup on both talent & models and once that is done, I sit down, poised, in front of the cameras to host the show. Everything that happened up to that point is behind me, I am in the moment, having a fabulous conversation with my peers and I am in awe of each of their stories every time. Once we are wrapped, we break down equipment, load up and head straight in to editing. My partner Reggie Brumfield and I tag team on editing the videos (I taught myself to edit on Final Cut Pro X), which is one the best software for editing. We spend days editing and then ship it off to New York to Kollide TV’sheadquarters to air. You see, this entire project is self-funded, so that more hands-on I am in the process, the less we spend out of pocket. We know it won’t be that way always, because we do plan include investors and advertisers going forward, but season one of the show what totally on us to deliver, and we did.

What advice or tips would you give a woman stuck at a crossroads in her career and looking to make a transition?

Listen to the beautiful heart God gave you. The heart does not lie! We know instinctively when something feels good or not. We know when we are in a situation and/or career that no longer serves us– you feel it in heart, your body tells you it’s no happy, your eyes tell you, it’s all always telling you. Once you listen to your heart, you must honor what that message is telling you.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/beauty-expert-making-leap-from-corporate-america-entrepreneurship/feed/1Entrepreneurs Summit All-Stars: Black & Sexy TV Co-founders Share Advice on Monetizing Web Serieshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/event/black-sexy-tv-co-founders-share-advice-monetizing-web-series/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/black-sexy-tv-co-founders-share-advice-monetizing-web-series/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 21:11:51 +0000Raqiyah Mayshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418879Scheduled to appear at both the 19th Annual American Black Film Festival taking place in New York City, June 11-14, and Black Enterprise’s Entrepreneurs Summit May 13-15in Atlanta,Black and Sexy TV co-founders, Numa Perrier and Dennis Dortch, are panelists who will offer insights on how to navigate through and monetize a Web series. The perfect duo to share advice, Perrier and Dortch are superstars— together with their team of Brian Ali Harding and Jeanine Daniels —when it comes to the success of their dynamic brand Black & Sexy, a platform that aims to provide content that represents black consumers searching for images representative of their experience and world.

With unique storylines and YouTube Subscribers in the 6-digit range, their 8.6 million monthly views to content have led to a successful newly launched subscription service that takes the Black & Sexy brand to a pay-per-view design level. Giving a glimpse into the advice they plan to offer at ABFF, Perrier and Dortch talk how facing truths and healthy financial outlooks are key to growing a dream.

Black Enterprise: As superstars in the Web series world, what question are you asked the most about your success?

Numa Perrier: ‘How do you make the money?’ It makes me sad sometimes because it’s indicative of people’s mentality. I love money, but we don’t do this for the money. We do it for the passion. When you’re doing it for the passion and for how you see it affecting the community, and your life purpose fits into it, then the money comes with it.

I understand the question; People need to make money. But it’s really about changing your attitude about money—that will help you define what you should be doing and how it will make you lucrative. That’s the first thing you have to solve. And whatever you do will benefit from the paradigm shift in your mind.

So in your opinion, what’s the key thing people need to know about the route to Web series success?

Dennis Dortch: People are looking for a shortcut to TV and they always run into a brick wall. You have to be committed to the Web world. It’s different. You have to be offering something that’s not currently offered. People are looking for something fresh. People try to find a quick way and aren’t treating the Web as its own entity or animal. They aren’t respecting that.

The launch of your subscription service last month is off to a great start. Talk a bit about that.

Dortch: It’s amazing. We’re glad we did it. This is our first time going for it and we’ve been prepping for a year. We’re still learning as we go along, but just opening the door and saying we’re open for business— taking that leap of faith—it was a little bit scary. Numa has a more fearless attitude, and I’m more calculating. We pushed forward. We’re creative people as well as business people and those two sides pull at us. But in the end you’re talking about affecting people’s emotions. So it takes both sides of the brain and now the eyes are open and we can see how we’re building out this platform and library. It’s been an amazing time. We hit our first goal as far as subscriptions. And now we know we have so much to offer.

For those who have been on the path for years and are having difficulties, what would you say to them?

Dortch: Not everybody’s going to make it. So the best thing is to be honest and say, ‘Am I the right person? Is this the right thing for me?’ And if you can answer the question, the next is maybe I need consultation or to step back for a second.’ This is not easy and if I was doing it by myself, I wouldn’t be as far as I am without my team or partner. I think I have a lot to offer, but you always have to come together like transformers. You build relationships and you don’t know till you’re in it and till it’s done. But it’s just really perseverance. If you really believe that vision, you should keep going.

Perrier: People will say they’re hitting brick walls, but you have to strip it down and say, ‘What am I doing?’ Look at the last 12 months and see what they’re doing. Are they consistent? Have they identified their audience? I’d send them a checklist. And I think you find a lot who are hitting brick walls are not doing what they need to do. I think a lot of people want shortcuts.

The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide is set for May 13-16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.

Black Enterprise and Film Life present The 19th Annual American Black Film Festival June 11-June 14 in New York City. To register now and find out more visit, ABFF.com. Join us at The American Black Film Festival, the largest gathering for film and TV enthusiasts

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/black-sexy-tv-co-founders-share-advice-monetizing-web-series/feed/0BlackLivesMatter: The Young Woman Behind the Hashtaghttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/blacklivesmatter-woman-hashtag/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/blacklivesmatter-woman-hashtag/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 20:24:25 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418849Alicia Garza is the 34-year-old who inspired the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. Upon her discovery that George Zimmerman would not be charged for the killing of Trayvon Martin, Garza wrote a note on Facebook, encouraging people to spread the message that “black lives matter.” Her friend, Patrisse Cullors, then put a hashtag in front of the three powerful words and it quickly spread across social media platforms, uniting people all over the world who were saddened and outraged at America’s lack of interest and action in the protection of black lives.

#BlackLivesMatter resurfaced in the cases of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, and its message has evolved into much more than an Instagram caption. BlackEnterprise.com caught up with Garza to talk about the movement, millennials’ place in securing human equality, and how #BlackLivesMatter is growing and putting its words into action. Read what she had to say.

#BlackLivesMatter has transformed into this mega movement. What was the inspiration behind the words?

Black Lives Matter was started as an organizing project in 2013 after George Zimmerman was acquitted in the murder of Trayvon Martin. The inspiration behind the words is simply that we live in a world where black lives are systematically devalued.

For us, #BlackLivesMatter is a response to the virulent anti-black racism that plagues our society, and a call to action. For us, #BlackLivesMatter was inspired by the experiences of all black lives. So often, black men are placed in the center of the conversation around state violence, erasing the ways in which black women, black LGBT and queer people, and black transgender people are adversely impacted by state sanctioned violence.

Aside from raising awareness on social media regarding the injustice of black lives, what else is #BlackLivesMatter doing socially and/or economically?

#BlackLivesMatter is organized in 23 cities, including Canada and Ghana. Chapters are challenging structural racism and state sanctioned violence in their communities, workplaces, homes, schools and places of worship. In addition to carrying out direct actions, #BLM chapters are organizing against police terrorism, fighting gentrification of black communities, fighting back against the militarization of the borders and the police, and much more.

What can people, particularly millennials and younger generations, who want to do more and get involved in securing human justice do to push equality for everyone?

What’s important for us to be doing right now is getting organized. That means getting people together in our homes, communities, schools and workplaces to identify where state violence and structural racism are killing our people, and working together collectively to transform that.

That means we need to use a lot of different tools. We need to depose elected officials that care more about serving corporations than the needs of our communities. We need to protect our right to participate in deciding our own futures. We need to de-fund mass incarceration and invest that money into mental health services and the safety net. We’ve seen people doing this all over the country and all over the world. You don’t need anything but commitment to come together with other people to make change happen.

Keep reading onto the next page and see what Alicia says about millennials fighting for justice, plus find out which woman activist she would dine with.

(Image: File)

The recent killings of black people, particularly our boys and men, charged what many are calling a modern day civil rights movement. What’s a positive observation you’ve noticed about the younger generations and their investment in justice?

We are seeing the connection between state sanctioned violence and structural racism, and making the links with gender in ways that are incredibly important. This generation wants freedom for all of us, not just some of us. Black men and boys are being targeted, but how do we understand that in relationship to black women being the fastest growing prison population? Finally, we’re not just fighting for manhood—we’re fighting for personhood and our right to determine that.

Where do you see room for improvement in our millennials’ fight for social justice and equality?

I think too much time is spent calling out millennials for what we could be doing better, instead of celebrating the ways in which millennials and younger generations are showing up and shaping this moment. First we lament that millennials are apathetic, and then when folks get active and stay active, we talk about what could be done better.

I think for all of us, millennials and the older generations, could be doing a better job at connecting the dots. There’s still too much fragmentation happening into issues rather than really looking at the complexity of who we are as people.

In honor of Women’s History Month, if you could have dinner with any female activist, dead or alive, and strategize a plan for world peace and human equality, what meal would you pick and who would you eat with?

This question is awesome. I would eat with Harriet Tubman because she built a network of people across the country who ushered our people to freedom. We would eat something healthy, delicious and harvested because Mama Harriet would want us to take care of ourselves so that we could be in this fight together for the long haul.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/blacklivesmatter-woman-hashtag/feed/15 Apps to Save You Money When You Shophttp://www.blackenterprise.com/money/consumer-affairs/apps-save-you-money-when-you-shop/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/consumer-affairs/apps-save-you-money-when-you-shop/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 18:39:01 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=417248What if every time you went shopping, you were guaranteed to score a deal? With modern technology and what seems to be a new app launch every day, you can. Not only can you download apps to edit your selfies and deposit checks directly into your account, you can also download them to save money (and make money) when you shop. Check out these cool five apps and save on everything from groceries to clothes.

Poshmark is like raiding your big sister’s closet, but without having to hear her make a big fuss about it. The app is something like a network, connecting you to style lovers everywhere so that you can shop each other’s wardrobes. The items are usually significantly marked down, and you get to make money, too, whenever you sell a piece.

Bestie is an app and website, similar to the set up of Instagram, that allows you to subscribe to fellow users’ profiles. You get to check out their merchandise, and buy what you like. You can also enter promotion codes to save extra on certain items.

With over 400 Retailers, from grocers to clothing stores, Flipp is the central location for all of your weekly circulars. The app offers multiple features, like deal expiration alerts, shopping lists and device syncing. To save money, users can also price match and easily find discount savings.

This nifty app saves you time and money by finding only the best deals on items in over 65,000 grocery and drug stores. Favado lets you search for deals on items you need, and alerts you of the stores with the best savings.

Cellfire is the largest digital coupon provider in the world. Download the app to register your various loyalty and rewards cards from your favorite stores. Sift through the endless coupons and select the ones you want, saving them to your rewards cards. The next time you shop, the saved coupons for the stores will be redeemed at checkout.

Despite popular belief, Florida isn’t the best state to retire in. In fact, according to a survey by Bankrate, the sunny land isn’t even in the top 10. Florida comes in at number 28, while more northern and cooler states fill the more favorable spots. If your, or your parents, are nearing retirement and looking to move, consider these areas of the country. The following states seem to have a good balance of “low costs of living, strong health care systems, low crime and tax rates, comfortable temperatures, low humidity and lots of sun.”

Nebraska ranks above the national average for well-being based on scores from the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being index. The state also offers quality health care and a low cost of living. Although Nebraska is known for its snow, Bankrate reports that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found some parts, like Valentine, to get almost as much sunshine as Tampa, Florida.

(Image: Facebook)

9. Arizona

Arizona’s desert climate makes the state a popular pick among retirees. “Yuma gets more sunshine than any other location tracked by the government, while Phoenix and Tucson are nearly as bright,” according to Bankrate. Arizona also earned the second highest wellness score in the country.

Potential retirees should note, however, that the crime rates are just as high as the state’s temperatures. FBI crime reports indicate that Arizona had 416.5 violent crimes and 3,399 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making its violent crime rate the 10th highest in the country and its property crime rate the sixth highest in the country.

(Image: Facebook)

8. South Dakota

South Dakota’s low temperatures are undeniable, but older adults may find the state’s third lowest tax burden in the country to be a fair trade off. S.D. also has a quality health care system and low crime rate. The property and violent crime rates fell almost eight percent from 2012 to 2013.

South Dakota also offers its residents plenty of recreational activities. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Black Hills and Badlands National Park are all popular sites for retirees to enjoy.

(Image: Facebook)

7. Montana

Montana offers a beautiful landscape, perfect for older adults who enjoy nature. Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, waterfalls and wildlife are a few of the reasons this state’s outdoors is a cut above the rest. The cost of living is also low, and residents pay reasonable taxes. “According to the Tax Foundation, the state has an estimated combined state/local tax burden of 8.6 percent, well below the national average,” as reported by Bankrate. Crime is considerably low, too, with only 2,444 incidences of violent crime in the state in 2013.

(Image: Facebook)

6. Iowa

Harsh winters and humid summers may deter some retirees, but Iowa has a low cost of living, low crime rate and quality health care. Their healthcare system is the fifth best in the U.S, and their well-being scores are the fourth highest in the country.

(Image: Facebook)

5. Virginia
Virginia’s low cost of living and low crime rate make it a good choice for retirees. It has the third lowest violent crime and eighth lowest property crime rates. The healthcare system also ranks above the country’s national average. The weather offers a nice mix, “not too hot and not too cold,” and there are plenty of outdoor activities, from beaches to mountain visits.

(Image: Facebook)

4. Idaho
Idaho has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, so older adults can feel more safe in this state. There is also a low cost of living. (In Boise, Idaho, a dozen eggs is $1.35, compared with the national average of $1.99.) Admirers of nature will find that nearly 70% of the state is public land, filled with parks and monuments.

(Image: Facebook)

3. Utah
Utah scored above the national average all around for its low cost of living, comfortable weather and good health care. ry climate and clear, sunny skies make it the sixth best weather state in the country, and the health care system is the country’s seventh best. Few older residents are admitted to the hospital for flu, “suggesting immunizations are widely distributed to the 65-and-older crowd.”

(Image: Facebook)

2. Colorado
The Centennial State ranks among the top three for best weather in the U.S. The “30-year average for summer temperatures was a moderate 68.8 degrees, and the winter temperatures were not as frigid as one might expect in a state known for snowfall — 30.8 degrees.” Also, Colorado ranks number six for highest satisfaction levels among residents who are in their retirement age.

(Image: Facebook)

1. Wyoming

Wyoming is home to famous national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, as well as a lot of hot springs and wildlife. The cost of living is very low and the crime is minimal. Apartments run for close to the national average, but residents can find savings on entertainment and car maintenance. “According to the latest tax burden ranking, residents of Wyoming paid the lowest percentage of income tax at just 6.9 percent, edging out Alaska at 7 percent.”

Over the past year, we have been bombarded with headlines that continue to drive home the longstanding challenges faced by Black and Brown communities in our nation. From the killings of unarmed Black males at the hands of police officers to the introduction of new voter suppression laws that make it more difficult for people of color to exercise their constitutional right to vote, it is clear that for many in our nation, equality under the law remains dangerously out of reach.

But beyond the headlines, anecdotes and agenda-fueled debates lie the real numbers – all facts, no chaser.

Last week, the National Urban League released the 2015 State of Black America® report – “Save our Cities: Education, Jobs + Justice.” The report is the 39th edition of the National Urban League’s annual analysis of Black and Latino equality in America, and for the first time, this year’s report is available in an all-digital format available atwww.stateofblackamerica.org, where visitors can find the e-book, Web Series, select data, videos, articles and other frequently updated features (as well as download a free copy of the 2015 State of Black America® report until March 31st).
This year’s report again includes the Equality Index™, in its 11th year for the Black-White Index and its sixth year for the Hispanic-White Index – measuring how well Blacks and Latinos are doing in comparison to their white peers in five categories: economics, education, health, social justice and civic engagement.

What we’ve found is that while strides have been made in our communities, tremendous gaps continue to leave us with a crisis in education, jobs and justice. There are tremendous challenges before us, but the good news is that they are not insurmountable. For the next few weeks – and beginning with education, I will explore the findings of the 2015 State of Black America®, and better still, suggest solutions to these challenges.

As our nation enjoys historically low dropout rates, the highest high school graduation rates in history and more students of color studying on college campuses, we must also contend with the reality that school districts serving the highest percentage of low-income households spend fewer state and local dollars in those districts than ones that have fewer students in poverty. In addition, a lack of consistent education standards and equity and excellence at scale means that the quality of education that our children receive is far too often dependent on their zip code or how much money their parents make. Without a new formula for school funding that puts the dollars where the need is greatest, the education achievement gap will grow to the detriment of our nation as we educate a workforce incapable of meeting the challenges of tomorrow.

To underscore the National Urban League’s commitment to education and our belief that quality education is a key driver to opportunity, for the first time in the report’s history, we have included a state-by-state Education Equality Index™ and ranking. This index examines state-level racial and ethnic disparities in K-12 education, documenting Black and Hispanic achievement gaps in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in comparison to white students. Key findings from the Education Index include:

1. The smallest gaps were commonly found in states with relatively small minority populations and where test scores were relatively low for each group – white, Black or Hispanic.

2. Higher graduation rates for Black and Latino students were also found in states where these groups are a smaller share of the population.

3. On average, larger gaps were found in states with large urban areas home to large populations of people of color living in highly segregated neighborhoods with high rates of concentrated high poverty.

4. With inequitable resourcing and the disproportionate impact of factors such as poverty and teacher quality, African American and Latino children consistently fair worse in reading/math proficiency.

We have also included essays that feature commentary from leading figures and thought leaders in politics, the corporate arena, NGOs, academia and popular culture. This year’s contributing authors who highlight education include Sacramento Mayor and President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Kevin Johnson, NEA President Lily Eskelsen García and best-selling authors “The Three Doctors” (Dr. Sampson Davis, Dr. Rameck Hunt and Dr. George Jenkins).

This report is more important than ever. It is important because armed with data, we can all go back to our cities and create relevant plans to address stubborn problems. It is important because we, as a nation, cannot expect to sustain growth and compete globally while millions of our citizens are denied the opportunity to become productive citizens because of misguided policies or neglect. It is important because America can only be as good as its promise if that promise is kept to all Americans.

Marc Morial is the President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation’s largest civil rights organization. As an entrepreneur, Morial started several of his own businesses at a young age, with his first venture at age 15—when he opened a janitorial company. Morial was named Legislative Rookie of the Year as a Louisiana State Senator and as Mayor of New Orleans he left office with a 70% approval rating. Today, he serves as an Executive Committee member of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the Black Leadership Forum, and Leadership 18. Morial has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential Black Americans by Ebony Magazine, as well as one of the Top 50 Nonprofit Executives by the Nonprofit Times.

Although in recent years science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education programs have become increasingly popular, many studies show girls still lag behind boys in STEM fields. In fact, the Wall Street Journalreported, “the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development used results from a 2012 assessment given to about a half-million 15-year-olds around the world, and found that even though more boys struggled to show basic proficiency in reading, math and science than did girls, boys still ultimately outperformed girls in math.”

The most obvious question–”What prevents our young women from becoming leaders in STEM fields? “How can we help bridge the gap in STEM careers?” On one hand, the ABC of Gender Equality in Education: Aptitude, Behavior and Confidence says that gender bias, conscious and unconscious, among parents, teachers and employers is partly responsible. On the other hand, there are other studies from organizations such as the National Center for Women & Information Technology, which suggest as an irrelevant curriculum, and reliance on lecturing instead of hands-on projects is to blame. Whichever side of the spectrum you might be on, by using the “It take a village” approach, parents, friends, family members and educators can start by collectively addressing the gender gap. Here are some options to consider:

1. Talk with girls about why they should consider a career in STEM.

2. Provide hands-on experiences in technology and computing.

3. Make sure organizations and school administrators are aware of the need for programs and practices that will retain young women who choose computing.

Additionally, Intel, a manufacturer of semiconductor computer chips, conducted a new study on engaging girls in technology and created the infographic which suggest “making” is a great way to interest girls and women in computer science and engineering activities. Check out Intel’s findings and 6 tips to engage girls below.

“That all citizens will be given an equal start through a sound education is one of the most basic, promised rights of our democracy. Our chronic refusal as a nation to guarantee that right for all children, including poor children, is a national disgrace…It is a failure which threatens our future as a nation of citizens called to a common purpose, allied with one another in a common enterprise, tied to one another by a common bond.” – Senator Paul Wellstone, Teachers College, Columbia University, March 2000

Inequity in Education Funding Shortchanges America’s Future

Sitting beside his first teacher, “Miss Katie” Deadrich, in front of the one-room Texas schoolhouse he once attended, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act into law on April 11, 1965. ESEA—commonly known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB)—was a cornerstone in the president’s “War on Poverty” initiative. Its intent was to close the education achievement gap between children from lower- and higher-income families. Fifty years later, with Congress currently considering a reauthorization of the law, the gap in educational opportunity, achievement and funding is growing.

For the first time in our nation’s history, students of color are the majority of the U.S. student body. According to a recent survey by the Southern Education Foundation, a majority of all public school students are low-income. In another troubling milestone, The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that during the 2013-2014 school year, a majority—51 percent— of public school students were deemed eligible for free- and reduced-price meals, a common indicator of poverty. This is even more alarming when we consider a finding that our 2015 State of Black America® revealed and that we shared at the launch this week: On average, larger academic achievement gaps are in states with large urban areas home to large populations of people of color who live in highly segregated neighborhoods with high rates of concentrated high poverty.

During a press call with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan last week, we mapped out the landscape of education in America and warned against the dangerous course our nation would chart if we do not spend our education dollars where the need is the greatest. Right now in more than 20 states, school districts serving the highest percentage of low-income households spend fewer state and local dollars per student than in districts that have fewer students in poverty. The same shortchanging trend is the norm in 20 states that have a high percentage of students of color, where school districts are spending fewer dollars in those schools than in schools with a lower percentage of students of color.

The National Urban League has been—and will remain—at the forefront of this issue, having advocated for equal economic and educational opportunity for 105 years with the clear understanding that neither is mutually exclusive. This week, the National Urban League releases our annual State of Black America® report, this year titled “Save Our Cities: Education, Jobs + Justice.” For the first time in the report’s history, we have also included a state-by-state Education Equality Index™ and ranking. The index examines state-level racial and ethnic disparities in K–12 education, documenting the extent of Black and Hispanic achievement gaps, when compared to whites, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The State Education Index also includes supporting data on some of the factors that contribute to narrowing or widening these gaps.

The National Urban League adds its advocacy and voice to the chorus of education and civil rights groups, government officials and families demanding that Congress revisit and recommit to the original vision and mission of ESEA. When signing the bill, President Johnson declared that our nation would “bridge the gap between helplessness and hope for…educationally deprived children.”

How can we begin to bridge the gap President Johnson spoke of 50 years ago, when all-too-often the greatest percentage of education dollars is allocated to already resource-rich schools? How can we begin to make the promise of equality in education a reality when we refuse to admit that equality in education does not always translate to equitable funding?

The 1954 groundbreaking Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education made it clear that “education must be made available to all on equal terms.” But as long as Congress passes laws that continue to embolden state school districts to exacerbate inequities by providing less money to those with the greatest need, we do neither honor nor justice to the spirit of the law—or our nation’s children and future.

Marc Morial is the President and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation’s largest civil rights organization. As an entrepreneur, Morial started several of his own businesses at a young age, with his first venture at age 15—when he opened a janitorial company. Morial was named Legislative Rookie of the Year as a Louisiana State Senator and as Mayor of New Orleans he left office with a 70% approval rating. Today, he serves as an Executive Committee member of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the Black Leadership Forum, and Leadership 18. Morial has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential Black Americans by Ebony Magazine, as well as one of the Top 50 Nonprofit Executives by the Nonprofit Times.

The world’s largest travel and leisure company, Carnival Corporation, has appointed Marie McKenzie to the position of vice president of global destinations services and sourcing.

McKenzie’s latest promotion is a new role and function for the company, where she will lead a team of brand experts who are responsible for geographical regions on behalf of all nine brands. Additionally, McKenzie will leverage Carnival Corporation’s collective scale and expertise to continue creating new and exciting excursions and port experiences for the company’s nearly 11 million guests who sail every year on the company’s 100 ships.

“We are very excited to have Marie take on this new role, and with her proven track record in her past 19 years at Carnival, we know she will lead this team to great success,” said Chief Operations Officer for Carnival Corporation Alan Buckelew.

McKenzie, who joined the Carnival family in 1996, is a graduate of Howard University and Florida International University. She serves on the board of directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida and Honey Shine Inc.

In addition to McKenzie’s promotion at Carnival, advertising agency Walton Isaacson has appointed Kirsten Atkinson to vice president of media and branded integration. With over 15 years of advertising experience, Atkinson began her career at Starcom Worldwide as a media planner on Proctor & Gamble, and has worked on traditional channels as well as emerging media, new social platforms, interactive TV, branded entertainment, and addressable TV.

“Kirsten’s experience across platform and media as well as cultures is a perfect match with our agency’s DNA,” said the agency’s co-founder and partner Aaron Walton. “In particular, we are keen on her ability to traverse traditional channels along with branded entertainment and experiential.”

Atkinson is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University where she received a BA in Mass Media Arts/Public Relations.

Know of any promotions at your company? Have a recent career advancement announcement that you want to make? Send updates to work@blackenterprise.com.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/carnival-corporation-walton-isaacson-new-executives/feed/1Report: Half of Atlanta Patients Testing for HIV Already Have AIDShttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/report-half-atlanta-patients-testing-hiv-already-have-aids/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/report-half-atlanta-patients-testing-hiv-already-have-aids/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 13:41:07 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418639Many residents in Atlanta don’t have access to routine HIV testing at their healthcare facilities, according to WABE, Atlanta’s NPR station. In 2013, Grady Hospital initiated a testing program so that anyone coming to the hospital, regardless of the nature of their visit, could undergo testing for the virus. Grady’s FOCUS HIV testing program is the only emergency department in the city that offers an HIV test to all of their patients, regardless of why they come into the hospital.

WABE reported that since Grady’s testing initiative, “By the time patients are diagnosed in Atlanta, almost one-third have advanced to clinical AIDS.” The hospital has diagnosed an average of two to three patients with HIV every single day since 2013.

Dr. Abigail Hankin-Wei, who runs the department, said to WABE, “When we diagnose patients with HIV, the first time we are telling them they’ve been infected with HIV, we know that among our patients at Grady, nearly half of them have AIDS the day we diagnose them.”

According to the Center of Disease and Control, Atlanta is the fifth city in the United States with the most number of new HIV diagnosis. Not far behind was Augusta, the state’s second largest city, ranking as the 11th U.S. city with the highest number of new diagnosis.

HIV/AIDS seems to be a problem transcending beyond the borders of Georgia’s major cities and into the rest of the state, especially among black people. The rate of black men with an HIV infection diagnosis is 5.2 times that of white men, as reported by AIDSVu. Black women living with an HIV infection diagnosis is 12.2 times that of white women.

It takes about eight to 10 years for HIV to progress to clinical AIDS. In Georgia, AIDSVu finds that about one third of the population who are diagnosed as positive are in the late diagnosis category.

In an effort to control the spread of HIV/AIDS, doctors are trying to diagnose individuals and treat them. Wendy Armstrong, the director of thePonce de Leon Center, an AIDS care facility in Atlanta, tells WABE, “Effective treatment can make the risk of HIV transmission almost non-existent.” But to be diagnosed and treated, naturally people have to undergo testing and be aware of their status. There is a lack of status awareness throughout the country, as the CDC reports that about 14% of people with HIV or AIDS are completely unaware that they’re infected.

On Friday, March 27, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. EST, Black Enterpriseis hosting a Twitter chat with Social Media Manager Sirita Wright on education, college, and more, featuring Denisha Kuhlor, CEO of Plucked, a new Web application that allows students to waive college application fees.

Kuhlor will be sharing valuable insights on how she manages her time as a CEO and full-time student. Plucked launched in June 2014 as a platform for students to apply to college in a more cost-effective manner. After partnering with various schools, Kuhlor is able to offer students a free application. In addition to waiving the application fee, she created a way to lower the cost of sending out SAT/ACT test scores. With Plucked, students can log onto the College Board website and take a screenshot of their test scores. They can then send the screenshot to the schools of their choice; they pay a fee only if they decide to enroll in that school. Once a student makes their final decision, they will need to pay the required fee in order to send their verified test scores. The application is a winning situation for both the applicants and the colleges.

During an exclusive interview with Black Enterprise, Kuhlor said, “With Plucked, I want students to feel like they have power in the college admissions process. The process is portrayed as these schools are picking you, and I don’t think students always think their decisions are as important in the process. So ultimately, I want kids to say, ‘I created an application on Plucked and I applied to 10 schools and narrowed it down to two and the school I’m going to I didn’t pay anything to apply, and I love it.” Be sure to participate in the chat on Friday at 3:30 p.m. EST by using the hashtag #BESmart.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/plucked-ceo-founder-joins-black-enterprise-be-smart-twitter-chat/feed/2Former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. to Be Released from Prisonhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/news/former-us-representative-jesse-jackson-jr-released-prison/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/former-us-representative-jesse-jackson-jr-released-prison/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 12:44:37 +0000Cristie Leondishttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418602According to reports, former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. is set to be released from prison on Thursday, March 26, and relocated to a halfway house in Washington, D.C. Jackson was sentenced to 30 months behind bars in August 2013 for the misuse of campaign funds.

The Democrat represented the 2nd congressional district in Illinois from 1995 to 2012. The former representative pleaded guilty in February 2013, fully admitting his wrongful use of campaign money to purchase more than $750,000 worth of luxury items. His sentence began in October 2013. Jackson’s wife, Sandi, is set to begin a 12-month prison sentence one month after Jackson’s sentence is finished. She is also a former Chicago alderman, who pleaded guilty to a different felony charge, involving the filing of false tax returns for more than six years.

Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy spoke to USA Today on Jackson’s early prison release, stating, “I went in there to say hello and catch up and tell him that I wanted to be there for him when he came out. And he told me, ‘Guess what? I’m going to be out in almost 48 hours.’”

What are your thoughts on the early release? Share your comments below.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/former-us-representative-jesse-jackson-jr-released-prison/feed/6Rihanna’s Kid Movie ‘Home’ Pulls In $9.6 Million at U.K. Box Officehttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/rihannas-kid-movie-home-pulls-in-9-6-million-u-k-box-office/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/rihannas-kid-movie-home-pulls-in-9-6-million-u-k-box-office/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 20:55:10 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418519Topping music’s charts is as simple as batting an eye for Rihanna. Over the weekend, however, the pop superstar proved that she also knows how to dominate the movie ranks, too, with her U.K. opening of Home.

In the animated film, Rihanna is the voice of the lead character Tip, a naturally curly teeny bopper who manages to escape the capture of space aliens. Home premiered in London over the weekend and generated $9.6 million, according to Hollywood.com. The ticket sales surpassed Insergent ($4.7 million); The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel ($1.1 million); Focus, starring Will Smith, ($784,507); and Gunman ($649,494).

Although the animated film did exceptionally well overseas, critics don’t have the same expectations for the film in its U.S. opening this weekend. Dreamworks Animation, Home’s production house, has reportedly been suffering since 2012. Eric Wold, analyst at B. Riley & Co, foresees to Bloomberg that “Home will produce $85 million in ticket sales for its full run in U.S. and Canadian theaters and $170 million outside the U.S.” The number seems hefty, but he explains that it is not enough to cover the $135 million production cost after splitting revenue with theaters and paying the distributor, 21st Century Fox Inc.

Barton Crockett, however, an analyst at FBR & Co, has a more hopeful prediction, estimating that the film will do $140 million in the U.S. and as much as $297 million abroad.

The U.S. opening weekend numbers won’t be revealed until next week, and analysts will better be able to suggest the film’s overall earnings.

Will you be taking your little ones to see the film? Let us know below or on Twitter, @BlackEnterprise, using the hashtag #soundoff.

Picking the right college can be a stressful task for both parents and students. For many, the demographic makeup of a school has always played a major role in the decision making process, but for others the final decision for college boils down to the academic programs offered or the amount of financial assistance given. But with incidents such as that of the Oklahoma fraternity video, the University of Maryland fraternity email and countless other acts of campus racism going viral, the question arises about how much weight diversity numbers should play into a student’s college selection process.

Expert on diversity and inclusion in higher education institutions, DeEtta Jones, says that it’s difficult to add a school’s diversity numbers to your criteria list because many predominantly white institutions do not have minority student numbers that mirror the general population of America. Instead, Jones says college-ready students should look at not only the academics of the school, but also the infrastructure of the institution to see if it’s a right fit for them.

“The infrastructure is often times connected to the student affairs division,” Jones tells BlackEnterprise.com. “So things that have to do with whether or not [the school] has a diversity provost, or a vice president for diversity and equity on campus, whether or not they have advocacy offices, or a student government that’s vibrant and reaches out on diversity [issues].”

In addition to evaluating the infrastructure of a school, Jones says that students should pay attention to the school’s history of handling race relation issues. In the case of the University of Oklahoma video, Jones says the school’s quick punishment to remove the students from campus and close down the university chapter sent a clear sign that the behavior was not acceptable.

“Those kind of strong stances send really clear messages about tolerance,” said Jones. “Punishment has an impact and it does work.”

While diversity numbers and the idea of going to a predominantly white institution is on the table for some minority students, other college potentials view attending an HBCU as their only option. In the latest issue of Uptown magazine, Empire star Taraji P. Henson opened up about sending her son to Howard University after he was racially profiled at the University of Southern California. While Henson’s decision reflects that of many parents who hope an HBCU will provide a guaranteed safe environment for their child, Jones says parents and students should add one factor into consideration when setting their eyes only on HBCUs.

“What we don’t talk about very much is something called ‘internalized oppression,’” said Jones. “Sometimes black students go to HBCUs thinking here I am, I’m going to be with my people and then we’re marginalized in that setting because we’re not light skin enough or we don’t have the right kind of hair, or we’re not in the right fraternity, or our parents don’t have the right pedigree, or we’re not in this club or that club. While it’s important for us to educate people who are in the dominant group about our plight, it’s also important for us to support each other internally and realize that oppression in any direction and in any form is disastrous.”

Do you agree with Jones stance about looking at diversity and infrastructure before deciding on a school? Do you believe that HBCUs will provide a safer environment for black students than predominantly white institutions? Sound off with your opinions in the comment section below.

Charlton will share valuable insights on his career and tips for young entrepreneurs. The Resumator launched online in 2009, and already has raised $18 million in venture capital funding. The company works with more than 3,000 companies in 70 countries; clients include tech giants Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Mashable. Charlton credits hard work and having a good product as the leading factors that helped him to raise millions in funding. During an exclusive interview with Black Enterprise, Charlton shared, “If you want to be a tech company you basically have to grow your business and understand how capital is raised and put yourself in a position to actually raise venture capital.” Be sure to participate in the chat tomorrow at noon EST by using the hashtag #Driven2Innovate.

Extended business meetings, never-ending to-do list, conference calls and a demanding home life can cause many professionals to reach an all-time high when it comes to work day stress levels. But if the man who runs an entire country is able to keep his cool in the midst of a work day storm, then maybe we ought to tear a page or two out of his stress management book.

In an interview with The Huffington Post, President Obama opened up about what helps him to remain cool, calm and collected even when it seems like everything is going terrible. He credits his morning exercise routine and his calm Hawaiian roots for helping him to maintain a level-head in a high-stress environment.

“I don’t get too high, don’t get too low,” said Obama while also noting that his dedication to quality family time also keeps him grounded.

“I’m very consistent about spending time with my family,” said POTUS. “And when you have dinner with your daughters — particularly teenage daughters — they’ll keep you in your place and they’ll teach you something about perspective.”

The father of two also said that in an era where social media has heightened the urgency of things, he keeps his calm by “[taking] the long view” on issues, rather than panicking about what’s happening day by day.

“We live in such a 24/7 Twitter fed constant news cycle and everything’s a crisis,” said Obama. “Everything’s a crisis, everything is terrible, everything is doomsday, everything is — if it doesn’t get solved tomorrow, you know, your presidency is going off the rails. There must have been what, 15, 20 things that over the last seven years folks have said, ‘This is it. It’s over.’”

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/watch-president-obama-career-tips-stress-management/feed/0‘Black Actress’: Andrea Lewis Takes Matters Into Her Own Handshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/career/black-actress-andrea-lewis-succcess-social-media/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/black-actress-andrea-lewis-succcess-social-media/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 16:00:10 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418261Toronto native Andrea Lewis is an actress who’s worked with stellar talents including Diahann Carroll, Wesley Snipes and Maya Angelou. Since landing roles in Down in the Delta and The Natalie Cole Story, the millennial star is now welcoming this new wave of digital and social technology as producer of her own web show. The series Black Actress, a product of Lewis’ production company Jungle Wild Productions, tells the stories of Andrea and her famous friends, plus Andrea’s character Kodi Bailey. Jenifer Lewis, Amber Riley, Tatyana Ali and Vanessa Bell Calloway are a few of the faces viewers get to see. BlackEnterprise.com caught up with the multitalented artist to talk about the series, what’s next and more.

Andrea Lewis: Black Actress is a series that I created that celebrates black actresses and gives insight into the trials and tribulations of pursuing a career in the acting business. The series is documentary-meets-scripted-program, with every episode opening with a candid interview from a celebrity black actress. The scripted story follows the character Kori Bailey, played by myself, as she pursues her career in New York City and balances having a life and pursuing her passion. I produce the series with Tatyana Ali, Essence Atkins and Issa Rae, and you can watch the series on my YouTube channel.

[Below: WATCH 'Black Girl' Trailer]

What inspired your career as an actress?

I started acting when I was a toddler. My mom was approached by a casting director at the mall when I was only a year old. From there I started doing baby modeling and commercials. As I got older, I progressed to bigger roles on TV and in film. I fell in love with acting and entertaining very quickly, and it became my passion.

If you could change one thing about Hollywood, particularly as it relates to black women, what would it be?

I would change our position on the Hollywood food chain, and I would make it a more even playing field. Hollywood is a boy’s club and it’s hard for women—[especially] black woman. We’re making some pretty good strides right now with having more roles that feature women of color and having more black women behind the lens, but the question that keeps coming up is, “Is this a trend?” I truly hope it’s not, and the only way to change it is by climbing the ladder and making our position in Hollywood a permanent one.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, which women actors have you admired and why?

There are so many to choose from. I worked with Diahann Carroll on The Natalie Cole Story. I love her because she’s the epitome of class and she’s broken so many barriers for black actresses. Her courage is so admirable.

Essence Atkins is one of the producers of my series Black Actress, and I absolutely love her. I grew up watching her on TV and she’s not only an amazing comedic and dramatic actress, but she’s also an amazing person. She’s influenced my life in many ways and I’m truly grateful to know her.

What’s next for your company Jungle Wild Productions?

This is a big year for my production company Jungle Wild, alongside Black Actress we’re releasing three new shows and working on a our first feature film. I’m so excited for everything we’re doing because we’re focusing on diversity and the voice of millennials.

You’ve done a good job taking advantage of YouTube to enhance your own brand and create your own projects. How necessary do you think this is for black actors, and what are other ways that young black actors can take advantage of digital and social media resources to initiate their careers?

I think we’re in the age where everything and everyone is a brand, and depending on what you do with your personal brand it can advance your career in an amazing way. I think it’s very important to use your social media as a platform to showcase your work and shamelessly promote yourself. I was able to take my career into my own hands by using the internet to my advantage, so I always advise for any actor, especially actors of color, to treat your social media as your business card. Your social media should represent your work and character.

If for one day you could be one actor from the past, who would it be and why?

I would be Dorothy Dandridge, I’d love to be on the set of Carmen and to experience the magic of that time.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/black-actress-andrea-lewis-succcess-social-media/feed/25 Black Women Making Moves in PRhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/career/black-women-pr/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/black-women-pr/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 15:11:27 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=417675Publicists are a brand’s best friend. They’re the ones who shape the perception of companies and individuals, and keep the public aware of just how awesome their clients are. Behind every great brand is an even greater publicist, working tirelessly around the clock to ensure the brand is a hot, and respected, topic among media’s top outlets.

Because so much is required of PR pros, it’s always impressive to see all that they accomplish. We were blown away particularly by several who are rising in the profession and putting in overtime to establish themselves as ones to watch. If you’re in need of a dedicated publicist, or an inspiration as you pursue your own career, check out these five black women making moves in PR.

Erica Dias

Erica is a Cali-bred Atlanta-based publicist. She is a co-founder of The B Firm Public Relations Consulting, an agency providing marketing, PR, promotion and brand management to fashion, entertainment and beauty clients. Erica gets the job done, representing clients such as Houston Astros baseball player Telvin Nash, celeb hairstylist Dominique Evans, fashion designer Antonio Brown and Kiwi Vintage Boutique. She also spearheaded her own chic dining and networking experience, Erica’s Table of 20. Guest speakers for the posh and empowering event have included VH1′s Christina Johnson and Front Row designerShateria Morange.

Tikiyah Overstreet has been in PR for over five years, but based on her work ethic and persuasive pitch strategy, you’d think the rising maven had been in the industry for far longer. Tikiyah’s experience spans across food, beverage, beauty and lifestyle brands. She’s a publicist at Relate Public Relations in Los Angeles. Two of her top clients are organic skincare line SMB Essentials and Premier Dead Sea Cosmetics.

The biggest component of being a good publicist is knowing how to brand your clients. It’s evident by her presentation of herself that Melinda Lewis is a natural. Melinda is the super stylish founder of Love & PR, a niche PR consulting boutique and an addictive blog that highlights “fashion, design, creative culture, cool stuff, influencers, tastemakers, and people who stand out…”

Whit PR, a boutique strategic communications firm with niche market knowledge, was established by Dreena Whitfield. Dreena works in New Jersey, helping to maximize brand awareness for a variety of clients, like Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, Pooka Pure and Simple and The NY Chapter of the Recording Academy. She has landed placements in Black Enterprise, Essence and O, The Oprah Magazine, to name a few. In 2013, the PR guru made Ebony’s top 10 list of Black Women Rising in Politics, as Ms. Whitfield also served as Press Secretary to Mayor of Newark Corey Booker.

Krystle Coleman is the founder and CEO of Midori Star Media Group, a full-service public relations and brand architect agency. Her Miami-based agency provides comprehensive public relations, brand strategy, and marketing to entertainment, athletic, and corporate clientele. The rising PR expert and her boutique have worked with Rick Ross, Jagged Edge, Married to Medicine’sDr. Jacqueline Walters, NFL star Phillip Buchanon, along with other noted public figures.

Launching in 2009, the goal of The Resumator is to bring the offline job recruiting process online. Its founder Don Charlton, who started the company at just 31-years-old, says the vision for the recruiting software company is to provide access to top talent for all companies.

“If you were a smaller business, it was very difficult for you. You couldn’t afford Monster or CareerBuilder to post your job, so you basically weren’t online leveraging the web to get candidates,” said Charlton in regards to the hiring process before the creation of The Resumator. “So I wanted to democratize access to the web for hiring talent and that’s why I started the company.”

Leading the company as the sole founder, Charlton’s road to success as a tech entrepreneur is a bit different from the average Silicon Valley experience. Based in Pittsburgh, with a recently opened office in San Francisco, Charlton says The Resumator’s bi-costal connections have presented more benefits than challenges. Keeping the company’s product and engineering teams in Pennsylvania, where he says the operational expenses are cheaper and the tech scene is much smaller, Charlton is able to tap into the energy and cut throat culture of Silicon Valley by having his marketing, sales, and account managing team on the west coast.

“What’s interesting is whenever you have an office that’s in both Pittsburgh, which is kind of a more loyal small town kind of city, and San Francisco, which is basically the cut throat world of tech startups and entrepreneurialism; each coast inherits the positive traits,” said the 37-year-old. “We have a more loyal team in San Francisco than your typical San Francisco tech company, and we basically are tracking the top talent in Pittsburgh because people perceive us as being cut throat and wanting to win, so we’re inheriting our best traits.”

With 80 employees on its roster, The Resumator currently serves over 3,000 companies in 70 different countries. The company’s client list has included the who’s who of the tech world including Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, Hootsuite and Mashable just to name a few. In 2012, The Resumator was tapped by both the Obama and Romney election campaigns to help hire top talent. While the Rochester Institute of Technology alum says that time and money were the two biggest challenges he faced starting out as a sole founder of the company, he credits hard work and having a good product as the factors that helped him to raise $18 million in venture capital funding.

“I think obviously, the simple answer is if you want to be a tech company you basically have to grow your business and understand how capital is raised and put yourself in a position to actually raise venture capital,” says Charlton who admitted to getting his company name out there by going to a lot of accelerator programs. “I think, to be a little bit more specific, the way we were able to do it was by first and foremost having a really good product. It’s easier to raise capital when people know who you are already because you’ve built a product that people are using and they like.”

Now, with a successful company under his belt, Charlton reflects back on the start of The Resumator and counts the day he quit his day job at a design firm as a big moment for him.

“I wish everybody would experience the thrill of quitting your job and then being successful at a job you created because it does a lot to your soul,” says Charlton. “It opens up your beliefs about what anybody can do.”

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/technology/tech-entrepreneur-raised-18-million-venture-capital/feed/410 Yr. Old Gets $60,000 Investment on Shark Tank for BeeSweet Lemonadehttp://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/ten-yr-old-gets-60000-investment-shark-tank/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/ten-yr-old-gets-60000-investment-shark-tank/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 13:50:03 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418353If you’re a fan of the show Shark Tank, then you know convincing the “sharks” to invest in your business is not an easy challenge. The unfiltered investors, especially show favorite Mr. Wonderful, have been known to crush a few dreams on the national TV show.

One little girl, however, managed to impress the sharks with her southern sweetened lemonade. 10-year-old Austin, Texas native Mikaila Ulmer is the founder of BeeSweet Lemonade. When she was only four-years-old, Ulmer was brainstorming what she would contribute to the Action Children’s Business Fair and Austin Lemonade Day.

After two bee stings, her parents encouraged her to research why honeybees were critical to our ecosystem. The young mind grew fascinated. Not long after, Great Granny Helen mailed Mikaila a 1940s cookbook containing Granny’s flaxseed lemonade recipe. The light bulb went off and little Miss Ulmer was inspired to make something that would help honeybees and use Great Granny Helen’s delicous recipe. BeeSweet Lemonade was born.

Mikaila’s recipe is unique from other lemonade recipes because instead of using lots of sugars, she sweetens each batch with honey from local bees. Today, she travels selling BeeSweet Lemonade at youth entrepreneurial events, and a portion of the profits is donated to organizations fighting to preserve honeybees.

Shark Tank investor and FUBU CEO Daymond John was sold on the BeeSweet story, and the mogul ivested $60,000 for a 25% stake in the beverage company. John is working closely with Ulmer as her mentor and helping to push her brand through his professional network. “Partnering with Mikaila made perfect sense,” he said in a statement. “She’s a great kid with a head for business and branding. She’s got a great idea and I’m happy to help take BeeSweet to the next level.”

The investment will allow the company to make larger batches of the lemonade and meet customer demands. “I’m so excited to have someone with as much experience as Daymond on my team,” the young business girl said. “This is a great opportunity to have more people try my lemonade and save even more bees.”

Order Mikaila’s BeeSweet Lemonade and try all of the flavors here. BeeSweet Lemonade is also available at multiple Whole Foods and other grocers.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/ten-yr-old-gets-60000-investment-shark-tank/feed/42Farewell to Adidas NBA Jerseyshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/farewell-adidas-nba-jerseys/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/farewell-adidas-nba-jerseys/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 13:05:48 +0000Sakina Spruellhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418295As Adidas goes through a reinvention, the sporting apparel companysays it will not bid to stay on as the outfitter for NBA-branded merchandise beyond the 2016-17 season.

AP reportsthat the Germany-based company issued a statement saying that “while we have enjoyed a successful long-term relationship with the (NBA) league, we continually review our partner agreements to ensure they are meeting out investment and delivering on our brand and business needs.

Sports industry insiders speculate that Adidas is shifting its strategy from basketball to other sports that may help increase declining revenues. Despite being the official NBA product manufacturer of jerseys and other licensed clothing since 2006, Adidas has slipped to No. 3 in sporting apparel behind Nike and Under Armour.

Bloomberg reports that Adidas is to roll out its new strategy on March 27. The two brands will continue the terms of their 11-year partnership through 2017 but the NBA is expected to announce a new partner soon.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/farewell-adidas-nba-jerseys/feed/1Add Do-Re-Mi to ABC to Boost Your Child’s Brainhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/uncategorized/add-do-re-mi-abc-boost-your-childs-brain/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/uncategorized/add-do-re-mi-abc-boost-your-childs-brain/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 22:39:12 +0000Robin White Goodehttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418324The week of March 20, the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation recognized 388 school districts in 46 states as among the Best Communities for Music Education, according to a statement released by the NAMM Foundation. In addition, the NAMM Foundation, a supporting organization of NAMM, is awarding its Support Music Merit Award to 120 individual schools, which recognizes support for school-based music education programs.

The benefits of music education have been well documented. According to the NAMM website, piano students are better equipped to understand mathematical and scientific concepts. The results of a recent Northwestern University study funded by NAMM demonstrate that two years of studying a musical instrument improved the precision with which the children in the study distinguished similar speech sounds. The findings may have implications for how children who take music lessons learn to read, use language, and learn in general. The new research shows that participating in music education programs improves brain function and sparks language development, the statement said.

“The new research validates the relationships between student success and access to music education,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation, in the statement. “Ensuring that every child has access to music in schools requires commitment by students, teachers, and those who determine school budgets. We commend the districts and schools that have earned the Best Community designation this year. They join with so many that believe, as we do, that there is a vital link between do-re-mi and the ABCs.”

Schools and districts are evaluated based on funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards, and access to music instruction, according to the NAMM Foundation.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/uncategorized/add-do-re-mi-abc-boost-your-childs-brain/feed/2Affordable Care Act’s 5th Anniversary: Where Are We Now?http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/affordable-care-act-5th-anniversary-largest-change-uninsured/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/affordable-care-act-5th-anniversary-largest-change-uninsured/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 22:14:29 +0000Janell Hazelwoodhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418203Five years ago today, the Affordable Care Act, sometimes referred to as “Obamacare,” was signed into law by President Obama. In reflecting on the legislation, ACA opponents cite issues including higher premiums and cancelled policies, while the Obama administration and proponents see the efforts as having filled a much vital need: ensuring millions of Americans who previously had few options get affordable care for themselves and their families.

“The Affordable Care Act has been the subject of more scrutiny, more rumor, more attempts to dismantle and undermine it than just about any law in recent history,” Obama said in a statement. “But five years later, it is succeeding— in fact, it’s working better than even many of its supporters expected.”

The Dept. of Health and Human Services reports that since the law was enacted, the U.S. has seen the greatest change in the numbers of the uninsured in 40 years. “Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act almost five years ago, about 16.4 million uninsured people have gained health coverage – the largest reduction in the uninsured in four decades,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “Because of the Affordable Care Act young adults are able to stay on their parents’ plans until age 26, states can expand their Medicaid programs, and tax credits are available to millions of Americans in all 50 states, making health care coverage more affordable and accessible. When it comes to the key metrics of affordability, access, and quality, the evidence shows that the Affordable Care Act is working, and families, businesses and taxpayers are better off as a result.”

On the day the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, Black Enterprise Founder and Publisher Earl Graves Sr. wrote an op-ed that White House Adviser Valerie Jarrett told a group of African Americans on a conference call at the time “captured the spirit and intent of this historic act.” In it, he wrote:

“To gain passage of his 10-year, $940 billion plan, [President Obama] faced relentless opposition, scurrilous accusations and rancorous debate. Over the past 13 months, he had to contend with everything from heated summer protests from Tea Party members that decried “Obamacare” as a representative form of socialism to jousting with recalcitrant Republicans at chilly summit meetings. As recently as his January 27th State of the Union address, political pundits, naysayers and even members of his own party believed his health care reform bill would be D.O.A. when it arrived for a vote in Congress. Despite the odds, he persevered, taking his message to town halls, continuing to reach across the aisle and inspiring thousands to knock on doors and man phone banks.”

Despite these numbers, Republicans have been staunch critics of the legislation since its inception, with many continuing to rebuke its passage and using legislative and legal means in attempts to rescind the law. In fact, as 2016 presidential hopeful Ted Cruz of Texas who maintained in 2013 that “Obamacare is a disaster,” announced his entrance into the race today, he told a Liberty University audience, “Imagine in 2017, a new president signing legislation repealing every word of Obamacare.”

Another opponent and presidential hopeful, Ben Carson, wrote via his Facebook account:

“Despite the White House spin, Obamacare is clearly not a success. Why is that? A careful review of the facts indicate that the lion’s share of the ‘new’ Obamacare enrollments are in fact Medicaid enrollments. Medicaid has been greatly expanded in 2014 from $265 billion to $305 billion. Looking out 10 years, the Congressional Budget Office offers this rather bleak projection as reported by CBS News: The combined $707 billion that the federal government will spend on Medicaid and Obamacare subsidies in 2024 is roughly equal to the $716 billion the CBO estimates the government will spend on national defense that year. This is not a success.”

Check out social media insights on the efficiency of the act from consumers, political watchers and leaders on the next page …

Grain’s knowledge comes from a multitude of success. His private equity firm, Grain Management L.L.C., invests in the wireless communications sector, and Grain Infrastructure Funds I and II manage capital from investors including foundations and public pension funds. Before his current venture, he was founder and CEO of Grain Communications Group Inc., focusing on acquiring, building and owning wireless communications tower sites for the federal and state government systems. Politically active, President Barack Obama appointed Grain to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) in July 2011 where he chaired the Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience National R&D Plan.

Black Enterprise: Many talk about visualizing success and where one wants to be. When you began your career, did you see yourself being where you are today?

David Grain: I did not imagine myself here. I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer, and I’ve always spent a lot of time being fascinated with successful people of all walks of life. I also always read biographies. I think over time, my fascination with the lives of successful people morphed into me in a positive way. That’s helped me refine my focus overtime and direct my energy.

Who were the influences that helped you?

I’d say my grandmother. She was a domestic in Coney Island working for a family. And the only person left was the old man she worked for. He owned a couple brownstones around Brooklyn. When he died, she managed to get control of these brownstones. By the time I was of age, she was in her ’70s, and I would follow behind her collecting money, driving around Brooklyn. It was really fascinating. This was a woman who did not waste a penny. We had 8 or 10 of these properties, and I [recall that] when people didn’t pay the rent, she’d have to evict them. If it was a single mother or children, she might be lenient and maybe throw them a few dollars to help them out. She was a rental entrepreneur.

What’s been the key to business success for you?

I think I would point out a handful of principles that would come from my grandmother. Get in there, stay late, grind it out, and nothing is easy. If you have good intentions and you work hard, you’ve got a good shot of being successful. I have lived by this principle, of having high integrity, and not looking at short cuts—working hard. Now, I recognize there are no coincidences, and regardless of how hard I work, if it’s isn’t for the good Lord, none of this is possible.

What’s the most important thing an entrepreneur should remember?

I’ve heard this my entire career and only now do I genuinely understand, believe, and trust it: If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, if you don’t love hopping out of bed in the morning and going after whatever it is you’re going after—if it is work—it’s really difficult in a sustainable way to achieve success doing whatever that thing is. So somehow you’ve got to figure it out. And this is what goes through my mind in the morning: how excited I am about what I have to do today. And if I’m not, how tomorrow I’m going to adjust it so I’m excited about what I’m doing. If you don’t love what you’re doing, you better figure out how to change it to something you love.

The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide is set for May 13-16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/entrepreneurs-summit-david-j-grain%e2%80%99s-tips-passion-into-enterprise-how-to/feed/0Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit: 6 ROI Points For This Year’s Attendeeshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/event/six-reasons-you-should-attend-entrepreneurs-summit-roi/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/six-reasons-you-should-attend-entrepreneurs-summit-roi/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 21:00:29 +0000Cristie Leondishttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=417152The Black EnterpriseEntrepreneurs Summit is approaching as we move closer to spring, and in a similar fashion to other events hosted by BE, the summit is a can’t-miss. Taking place May 13-16 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, the three-day affair brings capital and innovation together to the forefront. Whether entrepreneurs are looking to expand their businesses, forge partnerships and make contacts or receive career strategies from experts in the field, the summit will be informative and insightful to all who attend.

Engaging seminars featuring some of the industries’ most renowned speakers will be held throughout the week that highlight some of the latest trends, products, and services that will help any business grow.

An entrepreneur’s life can get pretty hectic, and every minute counts–literally. So, why, you might ask, should you attend this year’s summit? Check out six ROI points that are hard to overlook:

1. You will receive strategic advice from top panelists and experts, across industries including entertainment, real estate, financial services, media and technology, to help you grow your business.

2. You will have countless opportunities to hear from and meet angel investors, bank loan officers and other financiers to find out about various sources of financing for your business.

3. You will have a shot at participating in the Black Enterprise Elevator Pitch Competition, where you could win $10,000 and six months of mentorship from a business expert.

4. You will have a platform to expand your business network with other entrepreneurs that can turn into contracts or partnerships.

5. You will gain one-on-one coaching regarding business strategy from business experts.

6. You will hear from BE 100s and top leaders in business and finance that can serve as a source of valuable business information and entrepreneurial inspiration.

The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide is set for May 13-16, 2015, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/six-reasons-you-should-attend-entrepreneurs-summit-roi/feed/0NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment to Launch TV Hosting Workshop at ABFFhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/nbcuniversal-cable-entertainment-launches-television-tv-hosting-workshop-abff/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/nbcuniversal-cable-entertainment-launches-television-tv-hosting-workshop-abff/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 20:30:56 +0000Raqiyah Mayshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418126TV hosting is coming to the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) thanks to NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment’s production of a TV hosting workshop. With ABFF taking place June 11-14 at the New York Hilton, the search for an exceptional on-camera host debuts in a two day workshop June 12 and 13.

Hosted by instructor Marki Costello, the class takes place over two days focusing on experienced hosts hoping to sharpen and tighten their techniques. Covering topics like band reinvention, reading and writing copy, on-camera performance, teleprompter and auditioning skills; top participants get an opportunity to host an ABFF Red Carpet Event and meet with NBCU Talent and casting executives from E! and Bravo.

As the largest gathering for film and TV enthusiasts, ABFF’s 2015 return to New York City brings together the big and small screen worlds with workshops, master classes, panels, night events, screenings, and an expo for those who are fans of the Hollywood world.

Hosts interested in participating in NBCUniversal’s workshop are asked to submit two videotaped scripts for consideration found on the ABFF Website. The deadline to apply is May 1.

Black Enterprise and Film Life present The 19th Annual American Black Film Festival June 11-June 14 in New York City. To register now and find out more visit, ABFF.com. Join us at The American Black Film Festival, the largest gathering for film and TV enthusiasts

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/nbcuniversal-cable-entertainment-launches-television-tv-hosting-workshop-abff/feed/0Are You All In? The AP Campaign to Reach Students of Colorhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/education/are-you-all-in-the-ap-campaign-reach-students-color/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/are-you-all-in-the-ap-campaign-reach-students-color/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 20:15:59 +0000Robin White Goodehttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418222

(Image: WENN)

Tens of thousands of high potential African American, Latino, and Native American students do not enroll in Advanced Placement classes, although these classes provide what some consider the gold standard in American education.

Every year, more than 3.6 million mostly 11th-grade students take the PSAT/NMSQT, a standardized test that not only provides practice for the SAT but identifies candidates for the prestigious National Merit Scholarships and National Achievement Scholarships. The exam also identifies whether or not students have “AP potential”: how likely they are to do well in an AP course, usually determined by scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on the related AP exam given at the end of the course.

In 2013, of the 9% of African American students who took the PSAT/NMSQT and were identified as having AP potential, less than half enrolled in an AP class—and they attended schools where AP classes were offered. Although the College Board has made efforts in the past, it is now asking teachers, parents, school administrators, and its partners to get the word out: High-potential students of color should enroll in AP classes.

Why the AP?

There are many reasons for eligible students to enroll in AP classes: You may be able to save on college expenses. If your exam grade is high enough, your college may award you college credit for the course or allow you to skim college introductory classes. But probably the best reason for taking AP classes is the rigor of the courses themselves. According to the College Board, a 2003 assessment by Third International Mathematics and Science Study, or TIMSS, showed that AP students who received grades of 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams in physics and calculus outperformed other physics and advanced math students from both the U.S. and abroad. AP courses prepare students for the demands of college, and having an AP course on your transcript distinguishes you as a student who’s willing to work hard. AP students learn how to manage their time and how to develop effective study skills. The courses give you practice in handling difficult problems and overcoming them with the support of your AP teachers. Students learn the power of persistence and hard work, a lesson they will need for college and all of life.

Does your local high school offer AP classes? Find out. See if high potential students of color in your area are enrolling in them. If they aren’t, ask why. According to the College Board, students have told the nonprofit that encouragement and support from an adult in their school is what matters most in their deciding to enroll in an AP class.

College is tough. Preparing for college by taking rigorous courses that help students set a high bar and support them in their attempts to scale it makes sense for students of color. For more information about AP and the College Board’s All In campaign, go to www.collegeboard.com, or view a video at the AP YouTube channel.

President Obama hosted the 2015 White House Science Fair today to celebrate the student winners of STEM competitions from around the country.

In addition to Senior Advisor Valarie Jarrett tweeting that for the first time ever there were more girls than boys at this year’s event, POTUS announced over $240 million in new private-sector commitments to inspire and prepare more students from underrepresented groups to excel in STEM fields. The commitment is a part of the president’s “Educate to Innovate” campaign that has resulted in over $1 billion in financial support for STEM programs.

Some of the commitments outlined in the president’s new pledge announcement include a $150 million philanthropic effort to empower early-career scientists to stay on track with their career goals and a $90 million “Let Everyone Dream” campaign to expand STEM opportunities for underrepresented youth. In addition, the pledge includes a commitment from 120 colleges and universities to train 20,000 engineers, a $25 million Department of Education commitment to create science and literacy themed media, and a coalition of CEOs who commit to expand STEM programs to an additional 1.5 million students this year.

Bringing together over 100 students from more than 30 states, the White House Science Fair allowed approximately 35 student teams to showcase their projects this year, including exhibits on algae, spinal implants, keystroke security and a page turner made out of Legos.

“Every year I walk out smarter than when I walked in,” said Obama, who’s stated before that if NCAA champs are invited to the White House then so should young people who produce the best experiments or design.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/president-obama-announces-240-million-pledge-stem/feed/4[VIDEO] Obama On Paying College Basketball Playershttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/video-obama-on-paying-college-basketball-players/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/video-obama-on-paying-college-basketball-players/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 19:04:08 +0000Sakina Spruellhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418147Much has been said lately about the big money that is made from college basketball…for everyone besides the players. Reportshave shown that the NCAA Men’s Tournament championship game yields more viewers and more revenue per commercial spot than the NBA championship game. Now, even President Barack Obama chimes in with Huffington Post on his views as to whether college basketball players should get paid or not.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/video-obama-on-paying-college-basketball-players/feed/0Weight Loss Inspiration: How Maria Gordon Reversed Diabetes and Lost 100 lbshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/weight-loss-how-to-maria-gordon-diabetes-lost-100-lbs/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/weight-loss-how-to-maria-gordon-diabetes-lost-100-lbs/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 17:40:39 +0000Yvelette Stineshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=416754When Maria Gordon was at her peak weight of 293 lbs. and living with Type 2 diabetes since 2010, she knew if she didn’t make some choices her life would end quickly. “I began to make a lifestyle change and commitment,” she recalls. Gordon took baby steps which led to some life changing results. “I started with a commitment a week. It began with drinking more water, then I stopped eating fast food, processed food, and so on,” she explains. Gordon also began walking on the track. “I started with a half mile and moved up from there.”

With a commitment to herself and accomplishing her goals, she saw significant changes in as little as two months: her energy increased, blood sugar improved, and she lost 15 pounds. As Gordon realized that she was capable of becoming healthy she set more goals for herself. In 2013 she became a vegetarian. “This was a bigger life shift for me. I noticed extreme mental clarity. I also realized the importance of the mind, body, and spirit connection to wellness,” she says. Since starting her lifestyle change in 2013 she has lost 100 pounds and reversed her diabetes.

With this amazing transformation Gordon noticed a lot of changes in other areas in her life. “I became more confident and sure of myself. I also decided to become a wellness coach and help others live a healthier lifestyle too.” Gordon, who previously worked in social media marketing with a demanding job, encourages people to look at their work schedule and create balance in life. Through her coaching business she is happy to see the results of her clients. Gordon offers the following advice:

Yvelette Stines is an award-winning writer whose work has been published in Essence, Uptown, Heart and Soul, Jones, Hispanic Executive Quarterly, and Green Build + Design, just to name a few. Her book Vernon the Vegetable Man encourages children to choose healthy lifestyle habits. Stines’ blog Calming Corners motivates readers to live a calm and healthy lifestyle. You can find her calmly playing on social media @yvelettestines and @calmingcorners.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/weight-loss-how-to-maria-gordon-diabetes-lost-100-lbs/feed/6Kerry Washington Says Poor, LGBT and People of Color Must be Allieshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/kerry-washington-glaad-awards/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/kerry-washington-glaad-awards/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 17:40:29 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418091The GLAAD(Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards took place on Saturday, and every A-lister from Viola Davis to Channing Tatum was in attendance. The special ceremony recognizes and honors media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.

Actress Kerry Washington was among the celebrated, taking home the prized Vanguard Award. Each year the Vanguard goes to an entertainer who advocates on behalf of LGBT persons. More showstopping than her floor length Hellesy number, was her beautiful and heart-provoking acceptance speech.

Washington used her time wisely, fully aware that “On Monday morning, people are going to click a link to hear what that woman from Scandal said.” Here are some of the key takeaways from her speech:

1. “Women, poor people, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans people, intersex people — we have been pitted against each other and made to feel like there are limited seats at the table for those of us who fall into the category of ‘other.’”

2. “We must be allies, and we must be allied in this business because to be represented is to be humanized. And as long as anyone anywhere is being made to feel less human, our very definition of humanity is at stake, and we are all vulnerable.”

3. “We must continue to break new ground until that is just how it is. Until we are no longer firsts and exceptions and rare and unique.”

4. “In the real world, being an ‘other’ is the norm. In the real world, the only norm is uniqueness, and our media must reflect that.”

The cry to join together in all of our differences was received by a resounding applause.

You can catch the entire speech below.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/kerry-washington-glaad-awards/feed/0Athletes Need to Show Respect, Especially For 13 Year-oldshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/athletes-need-show-respect-especially-for-13-year-olds/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/athletes-need-show-respect-especially-for-13-year-olds/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 17:31:06 +0000Sakina Spruellhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418065Disrespect in sports takes on a totally new form when it’s against a child athlete. Perhaps this will raise attention to the fact that respect must be restored to the game at all levels, whether it is little league, college or professional.

Over the weekend, a sophomore baseball player at the small college of Bloomsburg University in rural Pennsylvania, decided to arbitrarily throw out a sexually offensive tweet about a 13 year-old child-athlete who has been making headlines for her stellar achievements in and outside of sports.

News started to circulate that Disney Channel is going to make a movie about Mo’Ne Davis’, the girl who pitched in the Little League World Series and took her team to the international semi-finals. And for some reason, Joey Caselberry, the second-leading hitter for Bloomsburg University tweets:

“Disney is making a movie about Mo’ne Davis? WHAT A JOKE. That s— got rocked by Nevada”

In Sport Matters: Leadership, Power and the Quest for Respect in Sports, author Kenneth L. Shropshire states that respect is the most complex idea of all that he explores and that respect is the next step beyond tolerance in a continuum. “Respect places an affirmative obligation to act positively, far beyond, a ‘tolerance’ to allow someone else to exist,” states Shropshire.

Bloomsburg announced on twitter that the University did not tolerate the actions of the player and that the player was removed from the team. It is not clear as to whether he will be removed from the school.

We take matter very seriously; addressed the issue with the student-athlete (who has been dismissed from team), coach, and the team.

According to TMZ on Monday, Davis sent an email to the president at Bloomsburg University and asked him to reinstate the player. TMZ reportsthat “The team said Casselberry violated the athletic department’s social media policy — and possibly the school’s code of conduct.” TMZ goes on to report that “the school will NOT reinstate the baseball player … saying, “Right now we’re standing firm.”

Philly.com reportsthat before Casselberry deactivated his Twitter account, he posted an apology: “An example that one stupid tweet can ruin someone’s life and I couldn’t be more sorry about my actions last night. I please ask you to.”

“Forgive me and truly understand that I am in no way shape or form a sexist and I am a huge fan of Mo’ne. She was quite an inspiration.”

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/athletes-need-show-respect-especially-for-13-year-olds/feed/1Tracy Morgan Crash Settlement: James McNair’s Children Get $10 Millionhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/news/james-mcnair-children-tracy-morgan-walmart-settlement/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/news/james-mcnair-children-tracy-morgan-walmart-settlement/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 17:30:19 +0000Janell Hazelwoodhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418070According to reports, the children of James McNair, a comedian killed in the New Jersey Turnpike crash that injured entertainer Tracy Morgan, are getting a $10 million settlement from Walmart.

The New York Times reports that Jamel McNair, 26, and Denita McNair, 19, will get part of the funds via monthly sums that can increase— starting at $3,000—for the rest of their lives.

Morgan, of “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” fame, was seriously injured in June 2014 when the limo bus in which he was traveling collided with a Walmart truck, driven by Kevin Roper. The accident happened on the New Jersey Turnpike, killing McNair and injuring three other passengers. Morgan was hospitalized with broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken femur, and a broken leg. He and two others injured in the crash have also sued the big-box retailer.

Roper has been charged with death by auto and other offenses in New Jersey state court but has not been indicted, a spokesman for the Middlesex County, N.J., told reporters.

It seems as though Cookie’s no non-sense behavior may be somewhat of a reflection of Taraji P. Henson’s personal life, especially when it comes to her son.

The 44-year-old mom, who appears on the cover of Uptown’s February/March issue, opened up to the magazine about her son’s run-in with the police and how it’s impacting his college selection.

Back in 2012, Henson told Jimmy Fallon that instead of letting her son go straight to college after high school, she was letting him sit out for a short stint of time to look for a job so that he could understand the importance of hard work. Now, at 20-years-old, Henson’s son has faced another challenge while trying to be a normal college student that has caused the actress to make a mommy-in-chief decision for him.

“My child has been racially profiled. He was in Glendale, California and did exactly everything the cops told him to do, including letting them illegally search his car,” said Henson. “It was bogus because they didn’t give him the ticket for what he was pulled over for. Then he’s at the University of Southern California, the school that I was going to transfer him to, when police stopped him for having his hands in his pockets. So guess where he’s going? Howard University. I’m not paying $50K so I can’t sleep at night wondering is this the night my son is getting racially profiled on campus.”

With the recent accounts of college racism that have made headline news, do you agree with Henson’s decision to send her son to an HBCU? Sound-off in the comment section below.

Update: After the Glendale Police Department in California released a video showing an officer respectfully interacting with Taraji P. Henson’s son at a traffic stop, the actress has since issued an apology. She released the following statement on Instagram:

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/taraji-p-henson-sends-son-hbcu/feed/25Win a Mentoring Session with Director Malcolm D. Leehttp://www.blackenterprise.com/career/win-mentoring-session-director-malcolm-lee/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/win-mentoring-session-director-malcolm-lee/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 15:30:14 +0000Raqiyah Mayshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=417375Writer and director Malcolm D. Lee brings his knowledge and advice to young filmmakers by working with the 19th Annual American Black Film Festival [ABFF] and McDonald’s Lovin Campaign.

With ABFF taking place June 11-14 in New York City, the contest challenges filmmakers to create a 90 second to 2 minute video showing the concept of love. The winner will receive $2,500 in filmmaking equipment, a screening at ABFF along with three other finalists, placement of their project on McDonald’s 365black.com Website and a private mentoring luncheon with Lee.

It’s a theme that Lee has become known to promote in his years in Hollywood. As a teenager he worked with his early mentor and cousin, Spike Lee, on films that showed a love for the African American community, music and culture.

Malcolm Lee channeled his personal affection for writing and film into a career that brought acclaim with his 1999 debut The Best Man. The hit movie exceeded expectations, leading him to direct a slew of memorable movies such as Roll Bounce, Soul Men, Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins, and 2014’s Best Man Holiday. The sequel to his debut went on to garnering over $30 Million its opening Box Office weekend and over $70 Million to date. With a third installment The Best Man Wedding, slated to hit theaters in 2016, Lee – who’s taught filmmaking classes and lectured at NYU – always remembers one of the keys to his success: Mentorship.

Black Enterprise: When you think of mentors and mentorship, who or what comes to mind?

Malcolm D. Lee: I think obviously Spike is a huge mentor from the time I was 13 telling me to make black film. He got to produce my first picture, The Best Man and even most recently advised me on something. in addition to him, Stan Lathan, Preston Holmes, and a number I’ve called upon. But more so than mentorship, there’s a fraternity among directors. Even if we’ve never seen one another before, I can call on people and say, ‘I have this photographer and actor I want to work with. What was your experience?’ Because they know what it’s like to have a vision and execute that vision as flawlessly as possible. And you want the right partners on that journey. So for me, to have the opportunity to mentor young filmmaker is a great opportunity.

What do you wish someone had told you about the business before you got into it?

You never know when your next job is going to be. No matter how successful or unsuccessful the last one was, make sure you can put yourself in the position to make your next movies. Don’t necessarily say no to things that are against your philosophy at the time. I said no to plenty, because I thought I was going to be ‘x’ kind of director. And that’s limiting yourself and also could mess your career up. You could be a in a position where you do nothing. Audiences, tastes changes, investor appetites change for what they think is viable or what will make money. But at the same time, you have to be able to say, ‘I believe in this. This is what I’m going to do.’ It’s a tough balance. So when things come to you, don’t immediately dismiss it if it doesn’t fit your exact paradigm. Always take advantage of every opportunity. Even if you’re just going to meet the investors, there might be something else they have that might be of value to you or that you might want to do. Don’t be so quick to judge. And that goes across the board – script writer, actor, producer, you never know.

How can up-and-comers follow in your footsteps in terms of pursuing success in the industry?

Studying their craft. Be really passionate. Don’t give up. There’s a lot of perseverance and patience in this business and not everybody is cut out for it because they think it’s going to happen overnight or immediately. They’ll say, ‘My stuff is better than what’s on the screen right now.’ I’ve had that thought go across my mind. But you have to take the opportunities. You have to be prepared and ready for anything that comes and be passionate about the story you want to tell. Because if you have a unique story or unique way of telling it, then you’re going to get that shot. Because by age 25 I was in my second year of film school and felt like I was a failure like, ‘John Singleton made boys in the hood at 22.’ It’s supposed to happen when it’s supposed to happen. People just have to keep plugging away. If it’s something people are connecting to then you have to readjust or wait around till you find the right person who does understand or does connect with it. You’re going to hear, ‘no’ a lot more than you’re going to hear yes. But all you need is one, ‘Yes.’

What’s the question that you’re always asked, and what’s the advice you always give?

They always ask, ‘How does somebody like me get a shot?’ I tell them that there’s not one way. It happens how it’s supposed to happen. You’ve got to keep pushing forward on the vision you have and believe. You have to take advice from people. If [someone says], ‘I don’t understand this part,’ and it’s a consistent thing people are saying, you have to examine that. You have to get people around you who are going to be honest. You want your supporters and people that are going to uplift you, but you don’t want yes men and women around you. … You have to be able to take criticism.

To enter McDonald’s “Lovin” campaign and win a mentoring session with Malcolm D. Lee, visit ABFF.com for more information.

Black Enterprise and Film Life present The 19th Annual American Black Film Festival June 11-June 14 in New York City. To register now and find out more visit, ABFF.com. Join us at The American Black Film Festival, the largest gathering for film and TV enthusiasts

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/win-mentoring-session-director-malcolm-lee/feed/05 Splurgy Worthy Hotelshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/five-splurgy-worthy-hotels/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/five-splurgy-worthy-hotels/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 15:16:54 +0000Kandia Johnsonhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=417741A 24-hour personal butler and private plunge pool in the middle of your room. Jungle villas and overwater bungalows. And access to an exclusive private island with activities like skiing and kayaking. Nowadays you don’t have to leave the hotel grounds to feel like you’re on a vacation in paradise. Depending on your preferences, here are a few hotels that might be worth a splurge.

Situated in the hills of an enchanting evergreen wonderland sits a jungle of walkways connecting 38 distinctive private villas, along with a lobby, pool, three dining areas, and spa magical villas. From champagne picnics and guest chefs to orchestral recitals under the stars, wine dinners and Thai boxing Keemala offers several events and activities in or around the beach, waterfalls or pavilion.

With a private sand beach and golf resort, this impeccable luxury resort features suites with hot tubs, fireplaces and telescopes for whale watching. At check-in your private butler greets you with a margarita and escorts you to welcome spa massage.

On twelve acres of beautifully landscaped gardens on the West Coast of Barbados, this family run luxury resort features luxury cottage suites with a plunge pool, bedroom, and separate living room with a sofa bed, and spectacular views of the sea.

“Moroccan heritage meets Oriental charm” in this exquisite resort featuring suites with their own rooftop plunge pools, open-air showers, and breathtaking views over the Atlas Mountains. Some suites have views overlooking beautiful gardens with centuries-old olive trees and more than 100,000 roses.

Founded in 1989 this spectacular hotel is an art exhibition made of natural ice and snow from one of Europe’s last wild rivers, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. The resort, located 124 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden’s Lapland offers five different categories of rooms, ranging from the standard to the spectacular luxury suites such as the ice room—a double or family rooms decorated with furniture made of ice and snow. From indulging in snow mobile tours through a wilderness camp and taking ice sculpting classes to Nordic skiing and trying local delicacies and like moose and reindeer, this hotel offers unforgettable experiences of a lifetime.

How much would you splurge on a luxury hotel?

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/five-splurgy-worthy-hotels/feed/0Millionaire Model Joan Smalls Designs Collection for True Religionhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/joan-smalls-true-religion/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/joan-smalls-true-religion/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 15:14:32 +0000Essence Ganthttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=418004Supermodel Joan Smalls is taking a walk on the other side of the runway. Smalls, who has strutted for top fashion houses like Alexander Wang, is adding designer to her résumé via her capsule collection with denim brand True Religion. The collection, which includes 16 pieces, “features raglan sweatshirts (in both a cropped and boyfriend variety), super-skinny high-rise denim and sporty underthings,” according to Fashionista.com.

The inspiration for the collection derives from Smalls’ everyday style staples and takes on an urban athleticwear aesthetic. Consumers can find the collection at True Religion and Nordstrom stores, priced between $58 to $238.

In the campaign video, shot by Steven Klein, Joan Smalls fiercely moves and dances in pieces from the design collaboration. “I think it was always an idea to have movement and make it really fun. I just didn’t know what I was walking into,” she tells Fashionista.com. “But I adore Klein, and he’s like, ‘Joan, pick a song you like and just go for it. Let’s do it a couple times’.”

Aspiring models can learn a lot from the “Yoncé” video girl, and start adding more than headshots to their professional portfolios. While Joan Smalls’ $3 million dollar earnings in 2014 made her one of the highest paid supermodels last year, this is not the norm for most. According to ABC News, in 2010, professional models signed to an agency made an average $42,650 for the year. In 2008, only 2,200 models were employed by agencies, and the number is expected to just slightly jump (2,600) by 2018.

Peep Joan’s campaign video below.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/joan-smalls-true-religion/feed/1Girls Auto Clinic: Educating and Empowering Women, One Car At a Timehttp://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/girls-auto-clinic-educating-women/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/small-business/girls-auto-clinic-educating-women/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 14:30:51 +0000Courtney Herringhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=417534Quick: How many female mechanics do you know?

We’re all well aware of how male-dominated the car industry is at every single touch point.

Still, the numbers that follow indicate just how important we are to this industry, despite how glaringly absent we are in the decision making and even marketing. In fact, women pour upwards of $200 billion on vehicles and maintenance for those vehicles. In the US alone, roughly about 500,000 women are in the market to purchase a vehicle at any given time within a 1 to 3 month window, ultimately impacting 85% of vehicle purchases. Additionally, women outnumber men drivers.

Even with these facts, the auto repair industry actively discourages our participation and makes the process of getting car repairs a daunting one.

Who doesn’t dread that “check engine” light?

What’s worse, the auto repair sector of the automotive industry still treats women as non-entities, even though women take their cars in for repairs more than men do. So much so, that 44% of women dislike having to deal with the auto repair shop and only 12% walk away feeling positive about their experiences while there.

As a self-professed, former auto-airhead, Patrice Banks knew the feeling all too well.

Armed with the frustration of being taken advantage of and tired of being a victim of sexist discrimination with auto repairs, Banks made up her mind to take matters into her own hands, literally.

She decided to become a mechanic, but not just for her own satisfaction. Banks saw the glaring neglect of women in the automotive industry and made it her personal mission to empower and educate other women car owners with her knowledge.

It was during this time she formulated the idea for Girls Auto Clinic (GAC). She fondly recalls the idea coming to her and the internal knowing she felt, saying, “Something was like, this is it, Patrice. This is it!”

Read more on the next page …

Banks didn’t waste any time moving on her idea. In fact, that same summer, in 2012, she decided to enroll herself in classes to become a certified mechanic. Still juggling her full-time job as an engineer, for a year and a half, Banks became more educated about her passion, attending classes in the evenings.

She makes sure to note that she entered that classroom knowing next to nothing about automotive repairs. She remembers, “I literally walked in there barely just knowing how to open the hood of my car.”

Even with the certification under her belt, Banks also knew she needed some hands-on experience to become the best mechanic she could be.

She also knew she needed to find other female mechanics and identify one who could possibly mentor her.

No wonder it was nearly impossible to find a female mentor in the industry.

Pressing forward, she decided that the gender of her mechanic mentor didn’t matter— she just needed more immediate experience. She found a mentor at a local repair shop and offered her time in exchange for the opportunity to learn. She said, “I need to learn. And I’m here to help you in any way I can. These are my skills, this is what I can help you with, but I will work here for free.” And that’s just what she did – even while still juggling her day job, Banks decided to start apprenticing at a local auto shop with a mechanic who supported her burning desire to empower and educate women with Girls Auto Clinic.

Still desiring even more experience, Banks decided to approach another auto repair shop and offered the same things: her time and her skills – for free. She started off doing admin work, filing papers, and suddenly, after seeing her drive and her desire to learn, the manager of the auto shop asked to hire her.

Understanding how important it was to fully immerse herself in the automotive industry if she was going to ever get her dream off the ground, Banks knew she needed to work every day, full time in this industry.

Two days later, after coming to that realization, she decided to take a chance and quit her lucrative job as an engineer. She says, “It felt good. It felt really good and exciting.” Even more so, because she started getting less excited about her job as an engineer and more excited about this newfound passion and vision for Girls Auto Clinic. It was then when she knew “it was time to go.”

Patrice Banks (Image: GirlsAutoClinic.com)

Still, she often encountered people who didn’t want a new mechanic —and a woman, at that—working on their cars. So, Banks decided to take another big leap: she sold her late model car and bought a “hoopty” on Craigslist as a fixer-upper to put her skills to the test.

She says the decision was an easy one for her, saying, “it just made sense.”

Banks was determined not to just let her vision for Girls Auto Clinic lie dormant. She started conducting free, monthly auto workshops for local women in the area. When asked why she offers them for free, she told me the education component of GAC is one of her highest priorities and is something she is fiercely passionate about.

During those workshops, Banks creates a small, welcoming experience for attendees, with the expressed intention of helping women feel comfortable working on their own cars – becoming what she likes to call, SheCanics.

That’s right, ladies – you learn how to do some of the more basic maintenance yourself. All workshops are interactive and each woman learns on her own car.

The workshops have been so successful, that they’ve earned GAC local media attention and sponsorships from empowering organizations like the Girl Scouts.

Banks uses visual presentations to demonstrate how car parts should look and explains how important it is for everyone to know their VIN number, proper amount of tire pressure and oil grade. She also provides valuable insight on how to handle the dreaded “upsell” at auto repair shops.

And while all vehicle maintenance shouldn’t be DIY, Banks’ main goal is to empower women to feel confident about caring for their cars as they do their own bodies and understanding their cars just as much (or more) as her male counterparts.

But, if you’re not in the area where she conducts her free monthly workshops, Banks has written a book called the Girls Auto Clinic Glovebox Guide. The book provides valuable information, full of pictures and instructions, helping you answer the questions: How can I tell if I need brakes? How often am I supposed to change my air filter? What does that light on my dashboard mean? What should I do if my car overheats?

Ever the innovative, enterprising entrepreneur, Banks has a larger goal of opening her own brick and mortar shop and plans to make history by opening up a full service auto repair shop catering women in service and in style, a first of its kind. She’s recently launched a crowdfunding campaign, that’s steadily gaining traction, to educate and inspire others to invest in the dream.

For more information on how you can support the Girls Auto Clinic shop, visit here.

Courtney Herring is the founder of The Champ Media Agency and a consulting entreproducer dedicated to helping time-starved entrepreneurs create effective content strategy to nurture inspired and engaged online communities. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, andLinkedIn.

On Friday, Nissan made the announcement that they were donating $250,000 to six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to promote their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

Nissan executives along with Dem U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson presented the grant to Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College and Tougaloo College.

“I am very proud of the work our HBCUs are doing to develop the scientists, engineers and innovators of tomorrow,” HBCU Buzz reports Thompson saying.

Nissan’s latest donation is not the first time that the auto company has made an investment into the well-being of HBCUs. In March 2013, Nissan gave two robots to Alcorn State University’s Advanced Technologies Program, which allowed students to have a first-hand experience at working with the technology used in manufacturing facilities.

“These six institutions have a rich history of continuously advancing their programs to enhance their student’s educational experience,” said Jeffrey Webster, Nissan’s director of diversity and inclusion. “This contribution continues Nissan’s commitment to HBCUs and to diversity, education and service in our community.”

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/education/nissan-gives-250000-promote-stem-programs-hbcus/feed/3Entrepreneurs Summit: TV and Radio Star Steve Harvey Confirmed as Speakerhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/event/entrepreneurs-summit-star-tv-publishing-radio-steve-harvey-confirmed-speak/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/entrepreneurs-summit-star-tv-publishing-radio-steve-harvey-confirmed-speak/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 12:37:08 +0000Raqiyah Mayshttp://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=417153A king of comedy, TV, radio, publishing, motivation and entrepreneurship, Steve Harvey has been confirmed as a speaker at the 2015 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit. Held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, May 13-16, the three-day conference brings together business owners seeking knowledge, networking, and even their next big deals.

Emmy and NAACP award winner Steve Harvey is an expert at juggling a multitude of projects and making each succeed in its own way. On radio, his No. 1 rated “Steve Harvey Morning Show” is syndicated on more than 70 stations nationwide. On TV, he takes over the airwaves as host of two shows, “Family Feud” and NBC’s daytime talk show “Steve Harvey.” In the publishing world, his self-help books Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man (2009) and Straight Talk, No Chaser (2010) gave women valuable tips and insight into what men think and want. The best-selling books led to Harvey executive producing two hit movies based on them: Think Like a Man and Think Like a Man Too, released in 2012 and 2014.

Harvey’s next best-selling book, Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success, led to his establishing the Radical Success Institute and brought Harvey to work with renowned motivational guru Lisa Nichols. He recently helmed a three-day Act Like a Success Conference to Washington, D.C.

“As an entertainer, businessman, father, husband, and friend, I have learned so many lessons along this journey—lessons that have taught me the dos and don’ts of setting powerful goals and reaching them … Lessons that have come to me— not just from my successes, but also from my failures … Lessons that have allowed me to build my businesses, develop loving relationships, experience financial success, and to keep setting bigger goals. And I want to share those lessons with you,” Harvey said in a statement to attendees at the Act Like a Success Conference.

Further showing a calling to teach and motivate, Harvey leads his annual Neighborhood Awards, which has grown to a three-day event that honors top local small businesses from cities across the country, along with offering panels, networking, and fairs to help provide jobs, education, and tips needed to help further entrepreneurs.

Extending his inspiration to young people, Harvey has hosted the Disney Dreamers Academy. In partnership with Harvey and Essence magazine, Disney chose 100 of the nation’s most courageous and compassionate high school students for four days of motivational speeches and workshops at Disney World. “If you have a big enough dream,” he said to participants on the first day of the 2015 event, “you will be propelled to get your education.”

The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide is set for May 13-16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.

]]>http://www.blackenterprise.com/event/entrepreneurs-summit-star-tv-publishing-radio-steve-harvey-confirmed-speak/feed/23 Strategies for Ultimate Time Managementhttp://www.blackenterprise.com/career/how-to-power-time-management-business-workplace/
http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/how-to-power-time-management-business-workplace/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 12:33:15 +0000Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq.http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=417076Time is a non-negotiable, non-renewable resource, but somehow we all seem to forget this every now and again. There is enormous value in culling through distractions and prioritizing important tasks that require your selective attention. This is especially true in business. Do you proactively engage your day or rather “fall into activity” without rhyme or reason? Think about it. Since time is always of the essence, why would you haphazardly engage in activities that do not provide a valid return on their investment? Doesn’t make much sense, right? But we often waste time and then wonder why we haven’t achieved critical milestones.

Ever wonder how to effectively manage time amidst a sea of competing interests?

Here are three strategies for successfully managing your time and making a bigger impact in business:

1. Begin with the end in mind.

Before starting your week, identify the important results that you need to accomplish. Let’s call them “critical outcomes.” Limit your list to no more than 10 items and schedule them by day based on rigor. Don’t assign two or more equally taxing items on the same day. Allocate a specific period of time to accomplish each and approach with a sense of urgency. When a competing interest arises, ask: Is this activity appropriate given what I need to accomplish today? Every once in a while a dilemma may arise and take precedence, but less frequently than you might think.

Evaluate your success by how many critical outcomes remain outstanding at the end of the week. Your goal is to be at a completion rate of 90% or greater. Carry over any uncompleted outcomes to the next week.
2. Confront distractions.

It might seem difficult to avoid the lure of people, technology, and other attractive nuisances when compared with “work,” but in business you’re responsible for the choices you make. What’s the best choice? Confront distractions. You already know your vices—where you’re likely to fall down and end up drowning in the muck and mire of result impotence. Why not take away the enticement in advance? Recognize distractions for what they are and realize that by mindlessly engaging them, you lose precious time—time that could be better spent doing the things that matter the most.

Evaluate your success by how well you navigated each distraction—proactively confronted, without succumbing—as well as whether you achieved the critical outcome at hand.

3. Evaluate your results.

By taking a closer look at your performance, you can determine where you need to make important adjustments. You should evaluate at two critical periods: daily and weekly. While everything is still fresh in your mind, do a quick performance assessment at the end of each day. Is there anything that sticks out? If so, what impact is it having on your time and performance, good or bad? Abandon whatever isn’t working and beef up what is.

At the end of the week, do a global performance assessment. Look for patterns and trends. Did you notice time periods that were easy to work within? How about someone who constantly comes in to chat during the afternoons? Whatever you find, don’t merely stop at observations. Use the information that you discover to help you successfully manage your time and maximize your results.

Bottom line: Don’t “fall into activity.“ Set yourself up for success. Be proactive and reach for maximum results in business by harnessing the power of time management.